10 Animals With The Strongest Bite Force

Before we start our list, lets start off with a base measurement that puts everything into perspective. The average human bite force measures in at 160 pounds per square inch. While a human can bite though smaller bones, such as those from a chicken, its highly unlikely to be able to generate enough force to chomp through anything of substantial size. Plus human teeth will chip and shatter if too much pressure is applied. Now onto the list….

Pitbull

Pitbulls have the unfortunate reputation for being angry and aggressive dogs that kill and maim little dogs and babies. While we can argue all day whether that reputation is deserved, what we can all agree upon is that their bite is no joke! A pitbull’s bite force measures in at 300 pounds per square inch and are capable of causing extensive tissue damage and possibly breaking smaller bones. While the pitbulls bite force should not to be taken lightly, there is another dog in the list that makes the pitbull bite force pale in comparison.

 

Lion

While you might think they king of the jungle with its razor sharp teeth would have a devastating bite force, it is far from being the strongest. A lion’s bite force measures in at 650 pounds per square inch. One possible explanation for why a lion’s bite force is not as substantial as other big cats is that lion’s hunt in groups. A deadly bite is not necessary when you have 10 other lions piling on top of an unlucky prey. Don’t being mistaken though, one chomp from a lion is a really bad day for anything unfortunate enough to fall into its grasp.

 

Kangal

Kangals have the most powerful bite force of all dogs. They were bred in Turkey to defend against coyotes and other animals attempting to attack the flock. With their huge frame, massive teeth and a bite force of 700 pounds per square inch, they are definitely equipped for the task. A kangla’s bite force is more than twice that of a pitbull and the next dog that comes close to their bites are bull mastiffs, who clock in at 552pounds per square inch.

 

Tiger

Tigers are solitary animals that live and hunt alone. Unlike lions, who team up on prey, tigers are ambush predators who have evolved to take down prey alone. Their agility, stealth and powerful jaws which have a bite force of 1050 pounds per square inch have made them perfect assassins of the jungle. They are also the only terrestrial predators who are actively hunt huge predators by themselves and have been known to drag large prey up to a mile before feeding.

 

Spotted Hyena

The hyena’s bite is no laughing matter! They have freakishly powerful jaws that have evolved over time to crush and grind down bone. When a hyena kills, it devours everything, except for hooves and horns. Their powerful bites rip through prey with forces up to 1,100 pounds per square inch, almost double that of a lion’s! Coupled with their intelligence and aggressiveness, they are absolute killing machines.

 

Grizzly Bear

If there is one animal that you don’t want to see out in the woods while camping, it is definitely the Grizzly bear. Grizzly bears stand 7 feet tall, weigh up to 600 pounds, have knives for claws, are capable of running 35mph and can deliver a staggering 1,200 pounds per square inch. They have all the tools necessary to absolutely obliterate you. Not something you want to think about when you’re camping in the great outdoors.

 

Gorilla

A gorilla closest relative are humans and while we share 98.3% of their genetic code, they definitely got the lion’s share of size and strength. Not only are gorillas extremely strong (as much as 10x the strength of an average human), their jaws are absurdly powerful too. Their bite force measures in at 1,300 pounds per square inch, which is enough force to crush a bowling ball to pieces!

 

Jaguar

A jaguar has the strongest bite of all cat species. The bite force measure in at an astounding 2000 pounds per square inch, which is double that of a tiger and three times that of a lion’s! When jaguars hunt they deliver a swift and fatal bite straight through the skull of it’s prey. They are capable of piercing the armor-like skin of a caiman, which it regularly preys upon. They don’t discriminate when it comes to food and regularly eat javelina, deer, bighorn sheep, birds, turtles and the list goes on. More than 100 hundreds species have been recorded in their diet.

 

Hippopotamus

Unbeknownst to many, the hippopotamus is the one the world’s most dangerous animal. It is estimated that hippos kill approximately 500 people each year in Africa. They can weigh up to 4000lbs and are highly aggressive animals. When hippos feels threaten, it opens its mouth 180 degree wide, like its yawning, and that’s a sure sign that you should get as far away as possible. Disregard this warning and you will feel the full force of 2000 pounds per square inch breaking you in half! Not only that, they will slash you with their tusk and swing their enormous head at you like a bulldozer. Maintain your distance!

 

Saltwater Crocodile

Crocodiles have the strongest bite of any living animal. Their bite force measures in at 3700 pounds per square inch, which is enough force to bite through steel! They have been around for 200 million years. That’s 200 millions years of evolution fine-tuning this incredible species for survival. When a crocodiles jaw latches onto its prey, its game over. It would take something less than a miracle for it anything to escape.