The human bite force is only strong as 162 PSI whereas some of the strongest animal bite force is in the 1000s PSI.
Many people might not know that humans are not the most powerful animal to bite. Although humans are dangerous to other animals, their bite is not necessarily their strongest weapon.
While there have been various debates on the strongest bite force, this article will tell you who has the strongest bite force and how they compare with humans.
What is a Bite Force?
A bite force is a force exerted by an animal’s jaws during a bite. Bite forces are often measured using a bite force sensor, which is an instrument that measures pressure. Generally, animals with bigger jaws have stronger bite forces.
The largest terrestrial carnivores, on average, have the strongest bites. In order of increasing bite force, these are large cats, bears, and canines.
Prey size may be another factor considered when comparing bite forces between species; larger species often feed on larger prey and thus may need a stronger jaw than smaller species feeding on smaller prey.
10. Hyena
Many sources say that hyenas have the strongest bite force of any land animal. This is because they have a powerful set of jaw muscles and can clamp down with up to 1,100psi (pounds per square inch).
However, some studies show that humans have a stronger bite force than hyenas. Although it’s tough to compare animals to each other, one study found humans had a bit force of 162psi. This is very low in comparison with hyenas.
9. Grizzly Bear
One of the more powerful animals in the world is the grizzly bear. It is not surprising that they can inflict a lot of damage to humans.
They have long claws and sharp teeth. Their bite force is about 1,160 pounds per square inch, which is more than a human’s bite force of 162 pounds per square inch.
8. Polar Bear
With strong jaws and sharp teeth, polar bears can bite with a force of up to 1,200psi. This is more than the bite force of an average human, so if you see one coming your way, you might want to stay away.
Despite their strength, polar bears are not usually aggressive. They only attack humans if they feel threatened.
7. Gorilla
The gorilla has a bite force of around 1,300 pounds per square inch. In contrast, the human bite force is only around 162 pounds per square inch.
This is because gorillas have a much stronger jaw and more teeth than humans.
6. Bull Shark
Bull Sharks have a bite force of 1,350psi as compared to 162psi for humans. This is because bull sharks have enormous, powerful jaws and sharp teeth that can tear through flesh with ease.
They are also one of the few species of sharks that can survive in both salt and fresh water, which allows them to sneak up on unsuspecting prey.
5. Jaguar
Jaguars are the third-largest cats in the world, after tigers and lions. The average weight of a male jaguar is 200 pounds, and the average weight of a female jaguar is 125 pounds. Jaguars have a bite force of almost 1,500psi.
The Jaguar’s jaw can open wider than any other big cat, including lions and tigers. This allows them to eat prey animals that are larger than their own head.
Jaguars also have flexible necks that allow them to reach around into tight spaces and attack prey from behind.
These adaptations help Jaguars hunt large prey like deer and tapirs that they would not be able to catch otherwise.
4. Hippopotamus
A hippopotamus can bite with more than 1,800psi. This is stronger than an African elephant and a lion. A human’s bite strength is more like 162psi.
The reason for this huge difference in strength is because of the shape and composition of a hippopotamus tooth.
Hippo teeth are similar to those found on alligators and crocodiles, which have serrated edges that can cut through flesh with ease.
Human teeth, on the other hand, are not serrated and lack this type of cutting edge. Another reason for this large discrepancy in biting power is because humans have narrower jaw muscles than hippos which gives them less power on the bite.
3. American Alligator
The American Alligator is a fearsome creature that can grow up to 14 feet long. The average American Alligator has a bite force of 2,125psi.
That is over 13 times as much as the average human, with a bite force of 162psi.
2. Saltwater Crocodile
The saltwater crocodile is an animal with a powerful bite force. The average human bite force is 162 pounds per square inch, while the crocodile’s average bite force is over 3,700 pounds per square inch.
The crocodile’s teeth are also much sharper than humans.
The crocodile’s bite force is so powerful that it can bite through bone. They are known to eat small animals like wild pigs and antelopes that weigh more than they do.
They bite these animals with their mouths closed and drag them into the water, where they drown them.
1. Nile Crocodile
Nile Crocodiles may not be the most terrifying animal in the world, but they are still an animal worth respecting. Their bite force is much heavier than that of humans.
The Nile Crocodile can exert pressure of up to 5,000 pounds per square inch with its jaws. That’s almost 4800 pounds more than your average human bite pressure of 162 pounds per square inch.
Final Thougts
Humans have a bite force of about 162 pounds per square inch, which, although pretty high, is lower than most ferocious animals. Other animals also have sharper and more teeth, making their bite lethal.
Humans should respect their surroundings and not challenge these wild forces. Although most humans would not come across most of these animals in their lifetime, they should keep their distance to avoid getting killed if confronted with any of these.
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