With big eyes and ears and colourful bodies, a lot of creatures in nature can look very cute. But don’t always be fooled by their adorable appearance. When provoked, these animals can easily injure or kill a person. Their defence mechanisms, such as poison or sharp teeth and claws, can turn them from darling to deadly in seconds. Get ready to discover some of the world’s cutest killers!

Charles C. Hofer is a biologist, photographer, and writer living in southern Arizona. He’s a regular contributor to several award-winning magazines for young people, including Muse and Ask. Visit his website at www.charleschofer.com.