Top 10 Strongest Animals On Land

The planet Earth is filled with millions of species. Although the exact amount is not known, estimates put the number at 6.5 million different species on land and 2.2 million species found in the oceans. Many of these species are known to exhibit astonishing feats of strength that are hard to use as humans to even fathom. When coming up with the ten strongest animals on land, we have focused on each animal’s strength compared to its size and weight. As you’ll find, some of the strongest land animals are mighty in size while others may appear insignificant at first glance. Yet if we dig a little deeper we find that a variety of species are capable of carrying and pulling incredible weights. You’ll find that their strength puts gym rats and body builders to shame

10. Eagle
There are over 70 species of eagles found on Earth, and these large birds of prey are all powerfully built. The strength of eagles has been admired by many nations throughout history, as evidenced by its use in many national symbols. The eagle is featured on the coat of arms of many different countries, and, of course, the bald eagle is a proud symbol of the United States. The bald eagle, which is native to North America, was adopted as the United States National emblem is 1782, chosen because of its majestic beauty, long life and immense strength.

9. Anaconda
Anacondas are members of the boa family. The green anaconda from South Africa is the largest snake on earth, pound for pound. Anacondas can grow to 550 pounds and over 29 feet. They are a truly frightening sight to see. They typically spend their time in swamps and marshes. Since their nasal openings are located on the top of their head, they are able to hide from prey while staying almost completely submerged underwater. Because of their immense weight, they can move quicker in water than they can on land.

8. Grizzly Bear
Grizzly bears are the largest species of bear and are native to North America. The average length of a grizzly is 6.5 feet and the average shoulder height is over 3 feet. Adult males weigh 400-790 pounds on average, although some have been recorded with staggering weights up to 1,500 pounds. Grizzly bears have powerful front claws that measure 2-4 inches in length and can tear with ease. Despite their large size, they are capable of running up to 35 miles per hour. In 2013, the second largest grizzly ever documented was taken down by a hunter. It had a massive skull which measured over 27 inches.


7. Ox
Oxen are particularly powerful animals, and humans have used their power to our advantage for centuries. It is believed that they were first put to work for humans around 4,000 BC. Oxen are commonly used to plow fields, pull carts, haul wagons, trample grain for threshing and power machines. Their brute strength makes them ideal for a variety of tasks. Oxen typically work side by side, being attached with a specially-fitted yoke. When two oxen of similar size and speed are yoked together, their strength is increased significantly. They can pull extremely heavy loads in a slow and steady manner.
6. Tiger
The tiger is the largest cat species, reaching up to 670 pounds, 4 feet in height at shoulder, and 13 feet in length. They have muscular bodies which feature powerful limbs, immense heads and long tails. They have sharp, stout teeth that can rip through flesh easily. Their curved canine teeth can have a crown height of up to 3.5 inches. Tigers are apex predators, however their numbers are in steep decline due to habitat destruction and poaching. Tigers have always been praised for their strength and unique markings. They feature prominently in ancient folklore, mythology, literature and modern films.
5. Gorilla
Gorillas are the largest living primate by size. They are also the third-closest living relatives to humans, after chimpanzees and bonobos. Gorillas can grow to nearly 6 feet tall with an arm span that stretches up to 8.5 feet. They can weigh up to 500 pounds in the wild, while obese gorillas in captivity can reach weights of 600 pounds.
4. African Elephant
The African Elephant is the world’s largest animal, and also among the world’s most intelligent animals. They have massively thick bodies, stocky legs, and enormous ears. They stand up to 13 feet tall at shoulder height and can weigh over 13,000 pounds. Their ivory tusks alone can weigh up to 100 pounds and can grow up to 8 feet long. They are used for digging, moving objects, and sparing with each other to establish dominance. Unfortunately, ivory is also prized by poachers.
3. Leafcutter Ant
There are 47 different species of leafcutter ants, all of which are prevalent in Central and South America, Mexico, and some parts of the United States. Over the course of just a few years, the underground nests of leafcutters can grow close to 100 feet across. When you include the smaller radiating nests that are part of these colonies, they can grow to almost 6,500 square feet. A nest like this would contain over eight million leafcutter ants!
2. Rhinoceros Beetle
There are over 300 species of rhinoceros beetles known to man. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. The largest rhinoceros beetles can grow to over 6 inches in length! The aptly named Hercules Beetles are capable of lifting up to 850 times their own weight! To put that in perspective, try to imagine giving a piggy-back ride to 850 people at once. Or imagine lifting 9 fully grown male elephants. When thought of in those terms, the strength of the rhinoceros beetle is truly awe-inspiring.
1. Dung Beetle

The dung beetle is the world’s strongest insect. When talking about proportional strength, the dung beetle is also far and away the strongest animal on the planet.

Scientists in London conducted an experiment and found that Onthophagus Taurus dung beetles could pull an astonishing 1,141 times their own body weight. For the experiment, researchers tried to simulate the beetle’s natural environment. Then, by simply gluing a piece of thread to the beetle’s back and pulling on it, researcher’s activated the beetle’s instinct to fight back and pull in the opposite direction. They measured the strength they pulled using a pulley and water, and recorded the amazing feat. To put it in perspective, if a human were to pull 1,142 times their own body weight, they would have to pull six full double-decker buses!