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Nature can be absolutely beautiful. But it can also be scary as hell. Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods and fires cause mass destruction around the world. But Mother Nature is also home to a melting pot of creepy creatures and scenes.

For some, nature is literally panic-inducing. Arachnophobia: fear of spiders. Ophidiophobia: fear of snakes. Astraphobia: fear of lightning. Thalassophobia: fear of large bodies of water. Agrostophobia: fear of grass. Yes, it’s a real thing.

People have been sharing photos of nature that send shivers up the spine. Bored Panda has scoured the net to find the most terrifying images captured in the wild. Turn on the lights, keep scrolling, and don't look away. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and upvote the ones that give you goosebumps.

#1

Why Does This Tree Look Like It’s Sneaking Out Of The Woods?!

A twisted tree forms a creepy figure beside a forest pond, illustrating terrifying nature.

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    #2

    Taken By Chris Holmes While Swordfishing Off The Coast Of Nova Scotia

    Orcas leaping in rough seas, showcasing terrifying nature's power.

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    #3

    My View Of The New Volcano Eruption In Iceland

    Cat watching a dramatic fiery sunset through a window, showcasing the terrifying nature of the scene.

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    The American Psychological Association defines biophobia as “the fear toward certain species and general aversion to nature that creates an urge to affiliate with technology and other human artifacts, interests, and constructions rather than with animals, landscapes, and other elements of the natural world”.

    One study found that some of the most common biophobias are fear of spiders, germs (mysophobia), and parasites (parasitophobia). Researchers say biophobias are becoming more common, as the world's population becomes increasingly detached to nature.

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    #4

    I Took A Picture Of A Green, Mossy Forest...and Captured A Creature Rising Up From The Ground

    Moss-covered fallen trees create a spooky, eerie forest scene, capturing the essence of terrifying nature.

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    #5

    Tongue Mushroom Commonly Found On Oak And Chestnut Trees

    Unusual pink fungus resembling a tongue growing on tree bark, showcasing terrifying nature.

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    #6

    I Just Outran A Massive Dust Storm Over Phoenix In A Helicopter To Get This Photo

    A massive dust storm engulfing a sprawling cityscape under a moody sky, showcasing terrifying nature.

    A massive dust storm (haboob) rolls across the Phoenix, Arizona area on 8/2/2018.

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    G A
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll get the vacuum cleaner out....

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    The World Bank estimates that over half of the global population now lives in cities. It expects that figure to rise to nearly 70% by 2050. "People continue to exhibit strong phobic responses toward organisms that do not live in our immediate vicinity even if they pose no tangible threats," notes The Conversation, adding that it's a worrying trend. Biophobias can cause people to avoid nature altogether, despite the fact that it provides a range of physical and mental benefits.

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    #7

    Mystical And Unreal Atmosphere At Beynac Castle Due To Lightning Storm

    Red lightning sprites illuminating night sky over a village, showcasing the terrifying nature of electrical storms.

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    #8

    This Dried Plant That Looks Like Tortured Souls

    Dried seed pods resembling tiny skulls on a metal mesh surface, illustrating a fascinating aspect of terrifying nature.

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    #9

    Found A Sea Snail That Looked Like It Had A Giant Eyeball

    A close-up of a snail shell with a curious, eye-like pattern, capturing the essence of terrifying nature.

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    Julia Mckinney
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is a green operculum shell. They are used in jewelry periodically as a good luck token and to ward off the evil eye.

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    The American Hiking Society has also reported an increased fear of nature among visitors of wildlife refuges around America. "Whether it’s because today’s visitors tend to live more indoor lives than past generations or watch too many TV survival shows, fears of nature are flourishing — in all ages," notes the AHS website.

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    #10

    This Living Fossil Is 200 Million Years Older Than The Oldest Dinosaurs, Its Been On The Planet For Longer Than There Have Been Trees. A True Wonder Of The Natural World

    Horseshoe crab on a sandy beach, showcasing the intriguing aspects of terrifying nature.

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    #11

    View Of The Iceland Volcano Eruption On 1/14 From My Flight

    Flames and smoke rise dramatically from a landscape at sunset, showcasing terrifying nature.

    It happened right before we took off

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    #12

    Meteor Falls On The Peak Of Mount Merapi ??, Kali Adem, Cangkringan, Yogyakarta (May 27, 2021, 23.07 Wib)

    Volcano with a bright meteor streak at night, showcasing terrifying nature.

    Gunung Merapi Report

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks as though it's about to light the local volcano.

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    The Society interviewed several rangers to find out how they deal with visitors' fears of nature. Toni Westland is a supervisory refuge ranger at a Florida refuge, and believes that a little bit of fear is healthy, especially when it comes to wild animals.

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    “There should be a natural fear we have of them, and they of us; it’s a good thing to be fearful of a large predator like an alligator,” said the ranger. “We tell them we’re not going to have alligators jumping out of bushes. It’s safe. But it’s only safe because we respect wild animals and don’t feed them.”

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    #13

    My Friend Found This Nightmare Fuel While Beachcombing In Dorset

    Barnacle-covered doll head on a beach, illustrating terrifying nature's impact.

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    #14

    Nope

    Horse with glowing eyes at night behind caution sign, illustrating terrifying nature.

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    SkippityBoppityBoo
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Vampire Horsey!!! (There's even a sign warning you! 😄)

    Pyla
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The horse isn’t too sure about you either

    Brian Droste
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is the headless man's horse.

    Jane Alexander
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They don't bite without a reason.

    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Give it an apple and it might go away. Alternatively you are just doomed.

    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Immediately after casting a spell on your sorry behind.

    lepidodendron tree
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    looks like long horse has been provoked 💀

    lepidodendron tree
    Community Member
    5 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Erick L.
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it may bite it probably may kick as well.

    Queen Mab
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And they may suck you blood! Great shot.

    Cindi Antrobus
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's just a baby it might bite just bite it back and be done with it.

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    #15

    The Terrifying Hiss Of A Satanic Leaf Tailed Gecko

    Tiny dark reptile with red eyes resting on a person's palm, showcasing the marvels of terrifying nature.

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    #16

    What In The Hell?

    Gloved hand holding a mysterious fish with a pointed nose on a boat, showcasing terrifying nature.

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    #17

    Scary When You See Clouds Like This

    Dramatic storm clouds fill the sky over rooftops, showcasing the terrifying nature of impending weather.

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    G A
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone has opened The Ark of the Covenant again....

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    #18

    Steady Processing All Photos From Our Stormchasing Trip Last Month

    Tornado touching down near a small barn, illustrating terrifying nature in an open field under dark storm clouds.

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    Paul C.
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh!Oh! We're not in Kansas anymore!

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    #19

    Just Met This Moose That Was On A Evening Walk

    Moose standing in the middle of a road at dusk under streetlights, showcasing terrifying nature.

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    medcrest
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm told that road kill moose in Alaska have to go the native population. Reason: too many people were buying junkers and going road hunting when you got to keep the carcass

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    #20

    Part Of This Zucchini's Skin Didn't Form

    Zucchini with a peculiar marking resembling a mouth, placed on a white towel, highlighting nature's terrifying creations.

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    #21

    Longest Worm I Have Ever Seen

    Giant earthworm on a garden path, showcasing terrifying nature against colorful flowers and green foliage.

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    #22

    This Piece Of A Tree Branch Looks Like A Zombie Hand

    Decayed tree branch resembling a hand, covered in moss and lichens, symbolizing terrifying nature.

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    Littlemiss
    Community Member
    Premium
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or maybe it's a real zombie

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    #23

    The Result Of A Battle Between A Snake And A Scorpion

    Snake battling a scorpion on pavement, illustrating the terrifying aspects of nature.

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    #24

    The Owl Watches

    Owl perched on a branch at night with glowing eyes, surrounded by leaves, illustrating terrifying nature.

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    #25

    As Requested, The Goblin Shark

    Terrifying nature: close-up of a goblin shark with a long snout and sharp teeth in dark ocean waters.

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    #26

    Two Water Spouts On Lake Erie

    Stormy ocean with two waterspouts under dark clouds, showcasing terrifying nature.

    Taken last year.

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    #27

    In Case You Ever Wondered What Triggerfish Teeth Look Like

    A person's hand holding a small sea creature with sharp teeth, showcasing a mysterious and terrifying aspect of nature.

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    G A
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are these the ones that crunch coral into fine sand?

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    #28

    The Trees Are Watching

    Tree bark resembling eyes, creating a sense of terrifying nature in a forest setting.

    I was just going for a walk when these trees caught my eye. Or I caught theirs :o Don’t know what kind of trees they are, maybe I’ll post it in a tree sub. Looks pretty weird to me. I can see how it’s cut off branches, but the outline of the “eyes” is what made e stop and stare. Then I noticed how the other branches grow and the weirdness makes more sense. Still a real weird tree to me though.

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    #29

    A Deep-Sea Angler Fish, Called A Pacific Football Fish (Himantoliphus Sagamius) Was Found By Local Beachcombers Just South Of Cannon Beach, Oregon

    Deep-sea fish washed ashore, showcasing terrifying nature with its sharp teeth and unique body structure.

    Living in complete darkness, at 2,000 -3,300 feet, these fish are rarely seen. In fact, only 31 specimens have been recorded around the world. While a handful of football fish have been recorded in New Zealand, Japan, Russia, Hawaii, Ecuador, Chile, and California this is the first one reported on the Oregon Coast to our knowledge. Little is known about their life history but what is known is unusually fascinating. Like other angler fish, they use light that shines from a phosphorescent bulb on their forehead to attract prey. Food at the depths that these guys peruse can be very sparse, so football fish are not picky eaters. They eat anything that can fit into their mouths. Only females actively hunt as the males are actually more like parasites. Males being 10 times smaller than females, find a female to fuse themselves to. They lose their eyes and internal organs, getting all their nutrients from their female partners. In return, they provide females with a steady source of s***m. How the males find the females in the pitch dark is still unknown.

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    Evolbeky
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Picture: fine, poor fishy. Description: WTF??!!

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    #30

    Nope Rope In Australia

    Large snake crossing a roadside lawn, viewed from a car's side mirror, illustrating terrifying nature.

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    justagirl
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    are danger noodle and nope rope the same thing?

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    #31

    Abandoned Tree Farm

    Dense forest with tall, moss-covered trees creating a mysterious, terrifying nature path.

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    G A
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does it count as a liminal space?

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    #32

    Coyote At Bernal Heights Yesterday

    Close-up of a wolf with prey, showcasing terrifying nature in the wild.

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    medcrest
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And they have no intention of sharing.

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    #33

    Some Red Bugs Made A Little Circle On My 2nd-Floor Window

    Cluster of red insects on a window, reflecting the theme of terrifying nature.

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    #34

    This Spider Is Trying To Tell Me Something

    Spider on a web in a garden, highlighting terrifying nature.

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    #35

    Sawfish (Was Tangled In Fishing Lines) 1967

    Two divers with a sawfish on the beach, showing its rostrum, showcasing the terrifying side of nature.

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    G A
    Community Member
    11 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing creatures now sadly near extinction. I think the woman holding it may be the famous film maker Valerie Taylor who worked on Jaws. Certainly looks like her.

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    #36

    This Bug I Found Had A Demon Face On Its Back

    A black and red insect with a mystical pattern sits on a textured surface, showcasing terrifying nature.

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    #37

    Today’s Super Close Up Bug Pic By Yours Truely. A Pipeline Swallow Tail Butterfly

    Close-up of an insect's face with dark, textured eyes and antenna, illustrating terrifying aspects of nature.

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    Dani
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People who call moths night butterflies have it the wrong way round... day moths are what im seeing 😱

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    #38

    This Weird Flower Plant Seedling Thing I Found On A Walk

    Unusual spiky red plant in a natural setting, showcasing the terrifying nature of its unique form.

    Found on the side of a path while on a bush walk .

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    to old to care
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this in Australia? All the weird stuff is in Australia......

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    #39

    Black Snake In Maryland

    A large black snake slithering in and out of a tree hole, showcasing terrifying nature in a forest setting.

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    G A
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Probably hunting baby birds or squirrels nesting in the tree

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    #40

    Fallen Tree In The Middle Of A Forest

    Dark, eerie forest scene with twisted roots and rocks, showcasing the ominous aspect of terrifying nature.

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    #41

    Random Skull In The Forest

    Skull on a tree stump in a dense forest, illustrating the terrifying aspects of nature.

    Went on a hike today and found this random skull on a tree stump. If you know what animal it was please share, im curious. Thanks

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    Luis Hernandez Dauajare
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd be more worried about whoever placed it on the tree stump...

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    #42

    Deer Skeleton Found In The River

    Decayed animal skeleton submerged in water, illustrating terrifying nature.

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    #43

    [Southern California] What Is This Spider With A Skull On Its Back And Is It A Sign Death Has Befallen Our Chicken Coop? (Kidding, But Really What Is It?)

    A spider with a unique pattern on its back crawling on a wooden surface.

    Initial searches says Steatoda Nobilis, but I’m not expert.

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    Maggie Fulton
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looked the photo up on Google. Steatoda nobilis is the noble black widow spider. I suspected it was some kind of widow spider because of its incredibly messy web.

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    #44

    What Is This Bug Found Inside Of A Spring Onion?

    Close-up of an insect hiding inside a cut green stalk, depicting terrifying nature.

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    #45

    My Friend An I Found This On A College Trip

    Terrifying nature: a strange, spiky formation on a tree trunk in a dense forest setting.

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    Queen Mab
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Great Hairy Australian Moth. Rare and hard to find.

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    #46

    Just Noticed That My Indoor Chillies Are Absolutely Crawling In These. Any Idea What They Are?

    Aphids covering a flower stem, highlighting the terrifying aspects of nature with their overwhelming presence on the plant.

    I’m in the uk if that helps narrow it down.

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