Incredible monsters of the past that lived on Earth

Looking at these creatures, ranging from giant snakes to incredible millipedes, one can only be glad that we live in the XXI century and will never meet them face to face.

Here are the most amazing giant extinct animals that you may not have known about.

Extinct animals

Large elephants with duck mouths (Platybelodons, Platybelodon grangeri)

They lived mainly in Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. Platybelodons reached up to 6 meters in length and 2.8 meters in height. Fortunately, they used their frightening jaws as a shovel for digging up plants.

Huge snakes (Titanoboa, Titanoboa cerrejonesis)

These giant snakes were relatives of boas and anacondas, which kill victims with their strangling rings.

Super Dragonflies (Meganeura, Meganeura monyi)

The wingspan of the meganevr reached 65 centimeters (more than a human head). They were the largest flying insects that once lived on Earth.

Giant sea scorpion (Eurypterid, Jaekelopterus rhenaniae)

This crocodile-sized scorpion had a 46-centimeter mouth with claws. In addition, they did not disdain to eat their own kind.

Huge birds (Moa, Dinornis robustus)

One has only to breathe a sigh of relief that these birds with long tearing claws, sharp beak and long legs are already extinct.

The largest lizard (Megalania, Megalania prisca)

Although it was thought that megalanias were extinct, the bones found in Australia are only 300 years old, and some scientists suggest that megalanias still live in Australia.

Huge millipede (Arthropleura, Arthropleura)

In addition, they could stand up by leaning on the lower half of the body. It's time to look fear in the eye.

Giant Sloth (Megatherium, Megatherium americanum)

Megatherium became extinct about 2000 years ago. They reached 6 meters in height, weighed almost 4 tons and walked on their hind legs. Interestingly, they are relatives of modern armadillos.

Giant fish (Dunkleosteus, Dunkleosteus terrelli)

This fish didn't need teeth, as its razor-sharp jaws could split any prehistoric shark in two. And when Dunkle wasn't eating, he rubbed his jaws together like self-sharpening scissors.

Giant Turtle (Protostega, Protostega gigas)

This super turtle reached 3 meters in length. Its sharp beak and powerful jaws helped chew slow-moving fish, including sharks. However, they themselves were not much faster, so they often turned out to be shark prey.

The biggest bear (Giant short-faced bear, Arctodus Simus)

Powerful jaws, 20-centimeter claws and huge size undoubtedly inspired fear of smaller predators.

Huge crocodile (Sarcosuchus, Sarcosuchus imperator)

Modern crocodiles look quite frightening, but they are nothing compared to this 12-meter monster. They also ate dinosaurs.

Giant shark (Megalodon, C. megalodon)

Megalodon lived 28-1.5 million years ago. This is the big brother of the great white shark, his teeth grew up to 18 centimeters in length. This shark reached 15 meters in length and 50 tons in weight, being the largest predatory fish that ever existed. A megalodon could swallow a bus whole.