When we think of dangerous animals, sharp claws or speed come to mind, what about just raw bite power? Bite Force is defined as the amount of pressure with which an animal can apply force while biting. Bite force is calculated in pounds per square inch (psi). The higher the psi the more forceful the bite.

So what animal has the strongest bite force in the world? Let’s take a bite into the top 10 fiercest jaws in the animal kingdom, ranked by bite force.

1. Saltwater Crocodile – 3700 psi

The best bite firmly belongs to saltwater crocodiles. Saltwater crocodiles are apex predators native to Southeast Asia and Australia, and their bite force has been measured at a mind-boggling 3700 psi. This is the highest ever measured in a living animal, which is more than powerful enough to crush bone and even metal.

2. American Alligator – 2980 psi

The American alligator is a contemporary cousin of the croc, and has a bite force of 2980 psi. They reside throughout the southeastern United States which is where you will find an American Alligator crushing turtle shells.

3. Nile Crocodile 3000 to 5000 psi(estimated)

Some studies state the Nile crocodile may bite harder than their cousin the saltwater crocodile possibly with a bite force that could range from 3,000 psi to 5, 000 psi. While not scientifically validated in controlled studies, their destructive power and hunting capabilities support this.

4. Spotted Hyena – 1,100 psi

We know them as a natural cleanup crew but the spotted hyena have a bone-crushing bite force of around 1,100 psi. They can crunch bones and eat everything, including hooves and horns.

5. Hippopotamus – 1,800 psi

You might not believe it, but when it comes to bite force, the hippopotamus is a true heavyweight. This amazing creature has a bite force of 1,800 psi, allowing its huge, hulking jaws with tusk-like teeth to crush bones, and, if provoked, small boats.

6. Jaguar – 1,500 psi

Of all the big cats, the jaguar has the strongest bite force in relation to body size – around 1,500 psi. Jaguars bite through the skulls of prey, use a killing method that other big cats do not.

7. Gorilla – 1,300 psi

The gorilla, our powerhouse cousin, has a bite force of 1,300 psi. Typically docile, their powerful jaws are designed for cracking nuts and tearing fibrous plant material.

8. Polar Bear – 1,200 psi

The polar bear is the largest land predator and has a bite force of 1,200 psi. They need this incredible force to apply pressure through the thick skin of seals and whales they encounter in the Arctic.

9. Bengal Tiger – 1.050 psi

Bengal tigers are among the largest and most beautiful of the big cats. They bite with a force of 1,050 psi and they are extremely capable single hunters in nature with their strong jaws.

10. Grizzly Bear – 975 psi

The grizzly bear bears a bite force of 975 psi; while this is not as strong as some on the list, I would not attempt to risk it. Together with their strength and claws, grizzly bears are formidable predators in North America.

Honorable Mentions

• Great White Shark – around 4.000 psi, although not easy to measure for live specimens
• Tasmanian Devil – only strong for its size (roughly 553 psi)
• Hyena vs. Wolf – Wolves are at or lower rate of 400 psi compared to hyena

Conclusion

The saltwater croc has the strongest measured force of bite anywhere; however, many animals on this list are equally as interesting for the importance of jaw power. The precise skull-crunching bite of a jaguar and the brute strength of a hippo are both amazing, yet nature has evolved a unique group of bite champions that can take advantage of a certain environment and prey.

Read about: Why Hippos Are Nature’s Real Killing Machines