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While we as humans continue to try (and fail) to live in peace and harmony, it is worth remembering that the world around us is a brutal, unforgiving place.

We have tamed our lives to such an extent that it is easy to turn a blind eye to the horrors of nature, sure, we as a species are far more damaging to our planet than all others put together, but let's not pretend that it's all sweetness and light out there!

This list, compiled by Bored Panda, is a reminder that we live in a scary world. Some of these things are simply wonders of nature that we may not like the look of, like spiders and centipedes. Some show the raw power of the elements, while others illustrate the horrific things that other creatures to do each other in order to survive. All of these things are awe-inspiring examples of nature, something not to be feared, but to be respected. Scroll down below to check them out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

#1

Wrap Around Spider, Named For Its Ability To Flatten And Wrap Its Body Around Tree Limbs

Wrap Around Spider, Named For Its Ability To Flatten And Wrap Its Body Around Tree Limbs

Freddie83 Report

#2

Spiderbro Guarding Me From Malaria Outside My Window

Spiderbro Guarding Me From Malaria Outside My Window

Heanshii Report

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Zori the degu
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love "pet" spiders, as I call them. They live in one corner of your apartment, feed on insects and sometimes climb down to investigate your belongings. If I happen to become roommates with one, I always make a point to leave some water for it to drink, if it needs it. My favourite spider of this kind used to live in my mom's bedroom. It only had 5 legs and we named it Oggie. The tiny spider loved to crawl on my mom's sketches(she's an engineer) and kept her company. I was 5 at the time and it was one of the first examples of invertebrates' personalities I was to see.

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#4

Xylaria Polymorpha, Commonly Known As Dead Man's Fingers, Is A Saprobic Fungus

Xylaria Polymorpha, Commonly Known As Dead Man's Fingers, Is A Saprobic Fungus

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Hans
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can almost feel them reaching for your feet...first gently stroking, then all of a sudden gripping fast...

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#5

A Firefly Kept Right On Flashing After Being Eaten By A Frog

A Firefly Kept Right On Flashing After Being Eaten By A Frog

MindFlayer003 Report

#6

This Frog Was Found All Dried Up And Withered Outside The Store In The Morning... The Store Manager Said, "Let's Try Splashing Some Water On It," And Holy Sh*t It Came Back To Life

This Frog Was Found All Dried Up And Withered Outside The Store In The Morning... The Store Manager Said, "Let's Try Splashing Some Water On It," And Holy Sh*t It Came Back To Life

9999monkeys Report

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Zori the degu
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Something similar happened to me once, but well, the other way round. I was on a sea holiday and came upon a large blue dragonfly, drowned in the sea. Now, I was saddened for the poor thing, but also ecstatic, for I have a collection of pinned insects, all of which were found dead, for I just can't bring myself to kill alive ones for the purpose. I carried it around in my palm, wondering where exactly was I to put it, for I didn't have any other dragonflies and the thing was huge. Suddenly, it moved! A second later, again! It became progressively more active, until it could stand on its legs and turn his head around in curiosity! I separated its wings carefully(they stuck to each other from the salty water) and it shook itself a little. I left it cleaning itself on an oak on a quiet path and I do hope it recovered completely. :)

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#8

Damn Nature, You Scary...

Damn Nature, You Scary...

WoahitsWelker Report

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Luna rivers
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A planting enthusiast wasn’t scared of anything, but when they found a skull of a 50 year old oojomaku breed, their life changed.

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#10

My Mum's Toilet After A Recent Flood

My Mum's Toilet After A Recent Flood

everything-idiotic Report

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Nadja Lambacher
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually think those frogs are cute. Not the best place to find them, but not terrifying.

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#11

Snapdragon Seed Pods Look Like Skulls

Snapdragon Seed Pods Look Like Skulls

ericd420 Report

#12

Those Fishes Are Literally Lit

Those Fishes Are Literally Lit

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#14

This Is A Hammerhead Bat And Is By Far The Creepiest Animal I've Seen

This Is A Hammerhead Bat And Is By Far The Creepiest Animal I've Seen

AestheticPurrfection Report

#16

This Is Why You Always Have To Check The Toilet In Australia

This Is Why You Always Have To Check The Toilet In Australia

Meanwhile in Australia Report

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#18

The Clathrus Archeri Fungus Resembles Some Pretty Metal Tentacles Sprouting From An Alien Egg When It Blooms

The Clathrus Archeri Fungus Resembles Some Pretty Metal Tentacles Sprouting From An Alien Egg When It Blooms

reddit.com Report

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Ladies and Gentlemen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have watched too many alien movies which have gutted my mind to point that I refuse to believe its a plant! Fck me, I am running from here and calling ARMY, NAVY or fckng SWAT team.

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#19

Currently Renovating Our Floors. Seems Everyone Has Come Out Of Hiding

Currently Renovating Our Floors. Seems Everyone Has Come Out Of Hiding

fingerbus Report

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MeggersTheFox
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was in your house and you just chilled and took a picture of it. Your bravery has no end

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#20

All I Know Is That It Needs To Burn

All I Know Is That It Needs To Burn

Alphawolfdog Report

#21

Deer Skull After Sitting In Water For Over A Year

Deer Skull After Sitting In Water For Over A Year

callyshark Report

#22

The Frog That Caught A Spider

The Frog That Caught A Spider

Dan-68 Report

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Braineating Spleen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...that wriggled and wriggled and jiggled inside her. She swallowed the spider to catch the fly. I don't know why she swallowed the fly, perhaps she'll die.

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#23

A Leopard Seal Peering Through A Veil Of Plankton

A Leopard Seal Peering Through A Veil Of Plankton

Bill Curtsinger Report

#24

Acid Spitting Ants

Acid Spitting Ants

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Ellis
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the f***!?! Do these exist? What part of evolution came up with that?

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#25

Articulated Cobra Skeleton

Articulated Cobra Skeleton

beckhard Report

#26

Black Swallower Died Trying To Eat A Fish 4 Times Its Size

Black Swallower Died Trying To Eat A Fish 4 Times Its Size

Xavimoose Report

#27

The Statue Being Swallowed By A Tree

The Statue Being Swallowed By A Tree

edward Report

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A random Goat
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once upon a time there was a man who did very bad things. The emperor turned him into a statue and trapped him in a tree. If he's freed the whole world is doomed. I made up this story

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#28

A Lizard Eating A Cockroach Alive At My House Porch

A Lizard Eating A Cockroach Alive At My House Porch

julifallesen Report

#29

My Dad Sent Me This Photo. Water Mocassin? Tennessee

My Dad Sent Me This Photo. Water Mocassin? Tennessee

robster644 Report

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Sally Appleton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Give a snake a fish an he'll eat it. Teach a snake to fish and he'll become the fishing rod.

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#30

Attack Of Legionary Ants (Also Known As Army Ants Or Marabunta) To A Wasp Honeycomb

Attack Of Legionary Ants (Also Known As Army Ants Or Marabunta) To A Wasp Honeycomb

boni_bo Report

#31

Chameleon Mummified Alive By The Tropical Sun

Chameleon Mummified Alive By The Tropical Sun

YoSoyUnPayaso Report

#32

The Inside Of A Gooses Mouth

The Inside Of A Gooses Mouth

cruciatus_curse Report

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Zori the degu
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I knew they have teeth, but I didn't know they have some on the tongue as well!

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#33

This Snake Covered In Ticks

This Snake Covered In Ticks

s18m Report

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Ellis
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Didn’t think I could ever feel sorry for a snake, until I saw this post...

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#34

These New Fish Species Can Survive In Volcanoes And They’re The Stuff Of Nightmares

These New Fish Species Can Survive In Volcanoes And They’re The Stuff Of Nightmares

csiro Report

#35

After A Weekend Storm In New England, A Puffer Fish Was Found In A Tree

After A Weekend Storm In New England, A Puffer Fish Was Found In A Tree

bassistmuzikman Report

#37

A Mother Whip Spider Carrying Her Babies On Her Back

A Mother Whip Spider Carrying Her Babies On Her Back

imotabtabs Report

#38

5-Legged Frog That Lives In The Marsh Behind Our Neighborhood

5-Legged Frog That Lives In The Marsh Behind Our Neighborhood

brykupono Report

#40

Dolphin Caught A Squid, Trailing The Ink Behind It

Dolphin Caught A Squid, Trailing The Ink Behind It

Sumit316 Report

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#43

This Spider Web That Looks Like A Spider-Man Mask

This Spider Web That Looks Like A Spider-Man Mask

meistertigran Report

#44

The Giant Isopod, Found In The Deep Seas And Is An Example Of Deep-Sea Gigantism

The Giant Isopod, Found In The Deep Seas And Is An Example Of Deep-Sea Gigantism

TCIGOD Report

#45

One Big Spider

One Big Spider

Frank Goodale Report

#47

Goliath Tiger Fish, Congo River

Goliath Tiger Fish, Congo River

PrestonGarvey1 Report

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Ladies and Gentlemen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you boss tells you a joke which isn't funny at all, but you gotta pretend its funny as heck!

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#48

Sweet Potato Creepily Resembles Human Heart

Sweet Potato Creepily Resembles Human Heart

Blindfiretom Report

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#49

The Largest Scar You'll Ever See

The Largest Scar You'll Ever See

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#50

Close Up Of Moth Outside My Window

Close Up Of Moth Outside My Window

No_Reason27 Report

Note: this post originally had 73 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.