Lebanon is a crossroad nation between the Middle East and the West. This small country had the Meditteranean Sea on one side, with Syria and Israel on the other. The landscape is incredibly diverse, creating a fascinating ecosystem of varied habitats for various species, including the most dangerous animals in Lebanon.
From the coastal plains in the west to the snow-capped mountains of the interior, the geography is stark and bold. There are several unique nature reserves devoted to preserving the Lebanese wildlife and natural beauty of the nation. Undisturbed wildlife can be found in the Bekaa and Kadisha Valley, all the way to the Barocek and Anti Lebanon Mountains.
In and amongst the diverse ecosystem there are some dangerous animals in Lebanon that roam free. We’re going to identify the top 8 animals that you should know about if you’re planning a trip. So grab up a chair, dig into your falafel and hummus, here are Lebanon’s most dangerous animals.
Striped Hyena
| Latin Name | Hyaena hyaena |
| Key Features | Powerful jaw and unpredictable behavior, risk of rabies. |
| Treatment | Seek medical attention if bitten for cleaning the wound and rabies vaccinations. |
| Where To Find Them | Woodland areas in the Anti Lebanon mountains |
| Conservation Status | Near threatened |
The striped hyena is Lebanon’s national animal. They are smaller than the closely related (and more famous) spotted hyenas found on the African savannah. The striped variety has a distinguishing black and white mane, highlighting the raised hackles and sloping back, along with zebra-like stripes along the body.
Lebanon’s hyenas can be found in the countries mountainous woodlands. They are elusive animals but do sometimes venture into the outskirts of Beruit, the capital, to scavenge through garbage bins.
As scavengers, hyenas are notorious for being sneaky and mischievous. Generally, they do not have aggressive behavior, however, it can be unpredictable. If they did attack, a hyena has extremely powerful jaws and poses a risk of rabies infection.
Golden Jackal
| Latin Name | Canis aureus |
| Key Features | Powerful jaw and unpredictable behavior, risk of rabies. |
| Treatment | Seek medical attention if bitten for cleaning the wound and rabies vaccinations. |
| Where To Find Them | Valleys and near water sources, ie. rivers, coastal plains, tributaries etc. |
| Conservation Status | No concern |
Golden jackals are widespread across Eurasia and the Middle East. These are some of the most common animals in Lebanon and should always be treated with an air of caution if encountered.
The wolf-like animals can be found in valleys and near rivers, they are rarely seen in mountains as they avoid the wolves. Jackals are incredibly social so are often seen in packs of pairing adults and young offspring. They vary in color, from a pale creamy yellow in summer to a dark tawny beige in winter.
If threatened, the golden jackal could attack either to protect their young or as self-defense. As with all wild canines, there is a major risk of rabies with a bite, along with serious potential wounds. If you see them in the wild, do your best to give them plenty of space.
Gray Wolf
| Latin Name | Canis lupus |
| Key Features | Powerful jaw and unpredictable behavior, risk of rabies. |
| Treatment | Seek medical attention if bitten for cleaning the wound and rabies vaccinations. |
| Where To Find Them | Mountains and highlands of Lebanon, extremely elusive |
| Conservation Status | No concern |
The gray wolf can be found in El Shouf Biosphere Reserve and other Natural Reserves and forests around Lebanon. While wolf attacks on humans are decreasing, encounters with these large mammals can lead to confrontation.
Unfortunately, due to major habitat loss, the number of gray wolves in Lebanon has decreased significantly. They are elusive and avoid human activity, staying in the mountainous region of the country.
Gray wolves can grow up to 5 feet in length and weigh up to 175 lbs. Those found in Lebanon are smaller, but still pose the same threats behind their powerful jaws and territorial behavior.
Wild Boar
| Latin Name | Sus scrofa |
| Key Features | Powerful body weighing up to 300 lbs, can have large tusks. |
| Treatment | Seek medical attention if attacked to check for broken bones. |
| Where To Find Them | Forests and woodland areas. |
| Conservation Status | No concern |
The wild boar is one of the most dangerous animals in the world. They are highly unpredictable and can show aggressive behavior. If they charge at humans, they are strong enough to break bones and cause serious harm.
Wild boar are common in Lebanon. It’s legal to hunt them across the Lebanese forests. These wild pigs can weigh up to 300 lbs, and the males often have extremely large tusk/teeth.
Blunt Nosed Viper
| Latin Name | Macrovipera lebetina |
| Key Features | Venom packed in fangs, can be extremely painful if bitten. |
| Treatment | Seek medical attention to recieve antivenom. |
| Where To Find Them | Rocky slopes, meadows and pastures across Lebanon. |
| Conservation Status | Endangered |
Blunt nose viper snakes are found in meadows, pastures, and rocks across Lebanon. They are identified as a large, brown/copper-colored snake with a blunt nose. These snakes can grow up to 2 meters in length.
If threatened, frightened, or disturbed, the blunt nose viper can deliver a very painful and (in rare cases) potentially fatal venom. Other symptoms include swelling, fever, and rashes around the bite wound. Immediate medical attention should always be sought immediately after a bite.
Palestinian Viper
| Latin Name | Vipera palaestinae |
| Key Features | Venom packed in fangs, can be extremely painful if bitten. |
| Treatment | Seek medical attention to recieve antivenom. |
| Where To Find Them | Across whole Levant region. |
| Conservation Status | No concern |
Palestine vipers are a smaller species than the blunt-nosed viper, and have a dark diamond pattern running along their back. These snakes are responsible for more snake bites in the Lebanon region than almost any other species.
If left untreated, the venom can sometimes be fatal. Most cases can be easily treated by a medical professional.
The Palestine viper, also known as Daboia palaestinae, can grow up to 130cm in length. In 2018, this snake was named the national animal of Israel and is well established across the Levant region.
Black Widow
| Latin Name | Latrodectus |
| Key Features | Neurotoxin packed in fangs, can be extremely painful if bitten. |
| Treatment | Seek medical attention and clean the wound thorough. |
| Where To Find Them | Sheltered areas across deserts, forests, and even in homes. |
| Conservation Status | No concern |
Black widow spiders are found across the globe. It’s common knowledge how dangerous these spiders can be. However, they are not considered aggressive unless threatened.
The females have the iconic red diamond on their back. They also pack a potent neurotoxin that is dangerous to large vertebrates, including humans. Despite common belief, a bite from a black widow rarely causes death but can still lead to serious complications.
It’s advised to seek medical attention if you are bitten to ensure the bite is cleaned thoroughly. Spider bites can become infected very quickly.
Brown Recluse Spider
| Latin Name | Loxosceles reclusa |
| Key Features | Neurotoxin packed in fangs, can be extremely painful if bitten. |
| Treatment | Seek medical attention and clean the wound thoroughly. |
| Where To Find Them | Across the entire of Lebanon. |
| Conservation Status | No concern |
Similar to the black widow, brown recluse spiders pack a strong necrotic venom that is administered to their prey when bitten. While fatalities are rare for humans, medical attention is always recommended to ensure the bite doesn’t get infected and lead to further complications.
If bitten by a brown recluse spider, you will probably experience some of the following:
- Swelling and redness
- Blistering and irritation
- Rash
- Numbness
- Severe pain
Found across most warm regions of the world, these spiders can grow up to about 7–12 mm long. Brown recluse spiders only tend to bite when trapped, so are best left alone and never attempt to pick one up with your bare hands.
Fire Ant
| Latin Name | Solenopsis |
| Key Features | Toxic and venomous bite. Red in color. |
| Treatment | Seek medical attention if the reaction is severe and does not subside. |
| Where To Find Them | Across the entire of Lebanon. |
| Conservation Status | No concern |
Fire ants are the smallest of the dangerous animals in Lebanon. Like other ant species, fire ants live in colonies and have a network underneath the ground. Most of these small fireball creatures go undetected, and we don’t realize how close we are to them.
Each fire ant has a venomous bite. The toxic causes a painful sting, characterized by a local burning sensation. This typically then swells into a bump over a couple of hours and can cause further irritation. If scratched, you then run the risk of the bites getting infected.
Everybody can react differently. Some may only have slight irritation for a couple of hours. While others can be allergic and experience a far more severe reaction and potentially even an anaphylactic shock. There are some effective home remedies that are used for treatment, however, if the reaction is bad, medical attention may be required.
Summary: Dangerous Animals in Lebanon
From laughing hyenas to fireball fire ants, Lebanon has a diverse landscape filled with creatures, large and small. The most dangerous animals in Lebanon range in toxicity and strength, keeping locals and tourists on their toes while exploring the country!
What is the most dangerous animal in Lebanon?
Venomous snakes are the most dangerous animals in Lebanon. Both the Palestinian Viper and Blunt Nosed Viper have a strong neurotoxic venom that can cause serious reactions if bitten. These snakes are found across the country in a variety of habitats, however, neither are extremely aggressive and will only attack a human if threatened, like most animals.
Are there lions in Lebanon?
Lions are not native to Lebanon, nor found in the wild. Unfortunately, there are some cases of lions in private captivity in Beruit apartments. Animal rights activists are campaigning to change Lebanese law to protect big cats in Lebanon.
Are there bears in Lebanon?
The Syrian brown bear can be found in the most remote parts of Lebanon. Sightings are increasingly rare as population numbers have been in decline. These bears can be dangerous to humans if the cubs are separated or threatened.
Are there hyenas in Lebanon?
The striped hyena is the national animal of Lebanon. They can be seen across the mountains and valleys of the country, some even venturing closer to main cities for urban scavenging. A striped hyena pack can be dangerous to humans and should always be given space if seen in the wild.
Are there venomous snakes in Lebanon?
There are venomous snakes in Lebanon, two of which can cause serious harm if bitten. The blunt nosed viper is an endangered species found in the rocky areas of Lebanon’s foothills. The Palestinian viper is more widespread across Lebanon and the Levant region, with venom strong enough to kill if left untreated.
Are there venomous spiders in Lebanon?
Lebanon and the Middle East have several species of spiders, some of which are venomous, across the varying landscape. The two most notable species are the black widow and the brown recluse. Both are found across the coastal desert region and urban environments, as well as in the mountains to the east, making them some of the most dangerous animals in Lebanon.
