Visualizing Animals With the Strongest Bite Force

Visualizing Animals With the Strongest Bite Force

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The bite force is the amount of force generated by the muscles and bones of the upper and lower jaw when an animal bites, measured in pounds per square inch (psi).

Most of the measurements in this graphic are estimated. The data comes from WorldAtlas and Live Science.

Orcas Have the Strongest Bite Force

Orcas have a bite force of around 19,000 psi, the strongest in the animal kingdom. To put that into perspective, it can take 2,500 psi to crush a car. Meanwhile, the average bite force of an adult human is around 160 psi.

Orcas are apex predators at the top of the food chain in the ocean. They hunt many sea creatures, including fish, squid, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and other whales. Females of the species can weigh up to 4,000 kg and live for up to 50 years.

Nile and saltwater crocodiles have bite forces ranging between 3,700 and 5,000 psi. Saltwater crocodiles are the world’s largest living reptiles. Crocodiles use their strong bite to capture prey, which they then bring into a “death roll” in the water. In adulthood, they reach sizes of up to 1,000 kg and are also considered apex predators.

Third on our list, the great white shark has an estimated bite force of around 4,000 psi, which allows it to hunt animals like seals and sea lions. However, young great whites often hunt smaller prey, such as fish.