The 10 Most Dangerous Animals in Barbados

A trip to the tropics can also bring paradisiacal dangers. The animals in Barbados, for example, should not be underestimated. Therefore, I will show you the top 10 most dangerous animals in Barbados here, along with a danger scale for assessment.

Barbados Black Belly Sheep

Hazard assessment 10/10

The lineage of this sheep is uncertain. It may have once been a goat and evolved into a sheep over centuries. Consequently, these animals are unpredictable. No one knows why they are here in Barbados and causing trouble.

Online, however, there are a few indications that the sheep are probably Ancestors in West Africa to have.

Anyone who has ever driven a car in Barbados knows the Barbados Black Belly Sheep. Unlike pedestrians, these often free-roaming sheep are known to hop onto the road. However, we've often observed that the sheep actually use crosswalks 🙂 No joke! There's never a shepherd with them; they are mostly out and about on their own.

Use

You can only eat the sheep. They give neither milk nor wool. Since they have short hair, they are shaved rather than shorn. So it's not worth it. However, they yield 53% of meat. That's something, considering their weight of about 50-70 kg. So there are restaurants here in Barbados that serve delicious lamb. That is definitely recommended.

2. Anoles and Geckos

Risk assessment 8/10

Anolis

The anoles are gone as quickly as they appear. Known as shy jungle animals, these small lizards are as nimble as a weasel. Therefore, I regularly twist my neck to try and follow them. This danger should not be underestimated. Furthermore, they are often barely recognizable, as they can at least slightly adapt their coloration to their surroundings. Like most animals in Barbados Are anoles also always found where people are?.

Furthermore, anoles are diurnal, so you'll see an anole almost every day, at least sitting on the house wall. However, these little creatures don't come inside the house. At least, we've never had one inside. It's a different story with geckos.

Geckos - Barbados Leaf-toed Gecko

As soon as it gets dark, the geckos come out of their hiding places. We have one or two gecko families on our balcony. These little creatures pose no danger, as they move slowly and you can even catch them. So no need to overthink it.

You can only find these cute leaf-tailed geckos in the Caribbean on Barbados, and even there they are quite rare. Therefore, we are a little proud that we have two families living right outside our door.

In general, geckos are not native to households either, but we have found their offspring in our apartment several times. Usually in the morning, as the little ones can get in but not out. We've already had to help them out twice, which our kids find incredibly exciting. One reason why we love traveling with our children. There are countless new plant and animal species to discover.

3. Frangipani Moth Caterpillar

Risk assessment 01/10

Among experts, we also call this the Frangipani moth caterpillar Pseudosphinx Tetrio. I have these approx. 15 cm large caterpillar actually seen here on Barbados for the first time, although they can also be found in the USA, for example. In the first few weeks, we stayed here in Holetown at the Frangipani Apartments. Frangipani is a tree with beautiful flowers. These trees are usually full of green leaves, but one day there was a tree in our garden that was completely eaten away.

Within three days, these caterpillars manage to eat a giant tree bare. You can practically watch them eat. Very exciting, frightening, and impressive all at once. You can see the caterpillars excellently in the trees, as they immediately stand out with their red and yellow tones.

Animals in Barbados - The Frangipani Moth

But eventually, the „looking beautiful“ part is over too. Unlike butterflies, this beautiful caterpillar turns into a rather plain Jane. The moth has a beautiful core, but looks ugly on the outside. We recently had a moth sitting outside our door. When it opens its wings, you can see light orange structures again. But that's it. Everything else is gray on gray.

By the way, the moths have a wingspan of 12.5 cm, which makes them resemble small birds when flying.

4. Hummingbirds – Adorable Little Birds

Hazard assessment 10/10

Speaking of birds, that's a great transition. There are 10 out of 10 danger points for hummingbirds. They are almost unsurpassed in cuteness. And of course, there's a high risk of falling madly in love with a hummingbird. Heartbreak is almost guaranteed, as they are incredibly fast and shy. Here in Barbados, there are two different species of hummingbirds: the Antillean crested hummingbird and the even more beautiful purple-throated carib.

You'll see these little birds as soon as sweet and colorful blossoms and flowers are nearby. When you walk through the rainforest, you sometimes hear such hissing sounds. Those could be hummingbirds. In the numerous Botanical Gardens in Barbados There are many, many ways to watch hummingbirds.

Have you ever seen hummingbird babies?

In 2021, we had the opportunity at Hunte's Gardens to observe a hummingbird nest up close. A pair of hummingbirds built their nest at a height of about 1.5 meters, showing their young to curious visitors. It was super exciting to see.

5. Chickens - They are chickens.

Risk assessment 7/10

Neither sweet nor cute nor useful. =) Here, the term „free-range chickens“ at least still has its original meaning. As already on Hawaii As experienced here, chickens also roam freely in Barbados. That's fine in itself. They don't bother anyone, don't run into the street, and generally leave you alone. However, there are areas in Barbados where the roosters crow all night long.

When it comes to hotels and vacation rentals, I advise you to inquire if this might bother you. I find it rather great because it's natural. But the roosters that are always running around in the meadow next to our apartment are usually quiet.

6. Barbados Green Monkeys

Risk assessment 01/10

All over the island, you'll find these cute little monkeys. They're very low on the danger scale, unlike those in Malaysia. Okay, unless they have babies with them or you have food 🙂 Then they're suddenly at a 10/10 on the danger scale. They also get very close to people. Depending on the troop, they are used to humans and allow themselves to be fed. But you absolutely shouldn't do that! the Barbados monkeys are anything but grateful. Because if the food is gone, but the monkey is still hungry, then it will attack you. Therefore, hands off the monkeys.

Nevertheless, we love watching the monkeys. They come almost every morning. They run across our balcony or jump from tree to tree in the garden. So, it's quite classic, pretty much how you imagine monkeys. =)

Origin of the Barbados monkeys

The Green Monkeys originally come from Senegal and Gambia in West Africa. They arrived on the island about 350 years ago and now have completely different characteristics than their relatives in Africa. You usually see the monkeys in troops of about 20-30 animals.

Just around the corner there is a Wildlife Reserve. There are several wolf packs there, and you can also feed them under supervision. It's safe, and we've done it with kids multiple times. A great experience.

7. Johnstone's Whistling Frog – Barbados Frogs

Risk assessment 06/10

If you've never been to the Caribbean, you can't possibly imagine the chirping of this tiny little frog. When we arrived in Barbados a good two years ago, we were quite surprised when an alarm system in the neighborhood wailed all night long. Nobody seemed bothered by it, and it wasn't until morning that someone turned it off. It wasn't until the second night, when the same alarm system went off again right at dawn, that we became aware of these little frogs.

Right on time around 6 PM, their squeaking begins. You hear it everywhere. Inside and out. And just as punctually, it stops at 6 AM, when it gets light.

What a strange name – Johnstone's pipe frog

The local frogs in Barbados are called „The Whistling Frogs.“ This name probably describes the little creatures most accurately. Unlike most other animals in Barbados, these frogs can be reliably heard whistling every day. Without exception! They are only about 2 cm in size, so they can be found in all sorts of nooks and crannies. Now and then, we take the kids into the garden in the dark to look for the little frogs.

Cane toad

The complete opposite is the cane toad. It is huge and lives up to 15 years. This toad was brought to Barbados as early as 1850. Back then, attempts were made to use the frogs for pest control. Additionally, there was a rat infestation on the sugar plantations that they tried to get under control with them. The latter, however, failed. The frogs do eat mice and small rats. But only up to a certain size. A „fail,“ in other words.

8. Mosquitoes – Annoying Animals in Barbados

Risk assessment 09/10

By far the most annoying animals in the world. At least at first, I found the mosquitoes here in Barbados really annoying. But you get used to it. They usually only come in the early morning hours and during dusk. But then in swarms! You mostly find tiger mosquitoes here in Barbados.

What helps against mosquitoes?

We've already asked almost all of the locals here this question. Most of them recommend citronella candles or scents. These slightly lemony aromas are supposed to repel the mosquitoes. Umm... no! Candles absolutely do not repel mosquitoes.

For those for whom all of this is still too natural anyway, they can take BOP. BOP is simply awesome. A spray in the room and the mosquitos fall from the ceiling. That's not even an exaggeration. We once had a pretty big cockroach in the apartment. After a few seconds, the creature was on its back. After that, we removed BOP from the house again 🙂

No mosquitoes is one thing, but we also want to keep living in the long run.

The only thing that really works against mosquitoes is this fantastic plastic tennis racket. These electric rackets are great. On average, I catch about 20 mosquitoes a day with it. The best invention ever. It's fast and clean. I find the latter important, as with so many mosquitoes, the walls would quickly look pretty miserable.

Do you know that feeling when you hear that one mosquito buzzing around all night? Right by your ear? That doesn't bother me anymore. Because, funnily enough, they sting you 4-5 times, and then they lie full and unable to fly on the mattress next to you. It's worth noting that the bites don't itch the next day. It seems the body somehow gets used to it.

No wasps in Barbados

In the end, I have to say: I definitely prefer mosquitos. Life is significantly easier and more pleasant when you can always eat outside and don't have wasps or bees around you. I found that to be more annoying.

9. Millipedes – Tausendfüssler Barbados

Risk assessment 01/10

What earthworms are in German and Swiss regions, millipedes are here in Barbados. Not very attractive looking, they are absolutely harmless and great for the garden. Millipedes don't actually have 1000 legs, but rather around 100 plus or minus pairs of legs. With a body length of about 10-15 cm and their short legs, they create a wave-like appearance as they crawl.

Perhaps you also know from before that half of the earthworms survive if something happens and a part is cut off. We immediately explained to our kids that this doesn't work with millipedes. 😳

The young millipedes, which are sometimes only a few millimeters thick, also come into the house quite regularly. You can easily take these out again with a piece of paper. Until the next day, when they come back in 😉 That's how Barbados Wildlife is here 😀

10. Centipedes – Millipedes Barbados

Risk assessment 12/10

As you may have noticed in the posts above, I define danger a little differently here and there. Humorous and funny, not really dangerous in the end. That will change now, because now we come to the centipedes in Barbados.

To get this out of the way upfront: They are absolutely peaceful, non-aggressive little creatures. They prefer to live in the dark. That's why you'll find them, for example, in undergrowth, behind house siding, or under leaves, buckets, things lying around, and shoes! They seem to love shoes. We only have flip-flops here and don't leave them outside. But if you generally keep wellington boots outside, you can assume that a centipede will eventually make itself comfortable in them.

Centipedes have about 40 pairs of legs, making them clearly distinguishable from millipedes. They are also lightning fast. Catching a centipede is relatively difficult. I managed to do it once and had one under a glass. The kids found it incredibly exciting.

Do centipedes bite?

No, they do not bite. They cannot, and it would not be in their interest to do so. I can assure you that centipedes are the animals in Barbados that never bite. So you don't need to be afraid of them.

But they STING 😀 and that hurts like hell! The front two pairs of legs have developed into stingers over millions of years (?), well, over a long time. The venom is similar to that of a wasp or hornet. So if you're unlucky, you'll get two pretty nasty stings. That will hurt so much that you would probably rather have been bitten. Unfortunately, our eldest daughter had to experience this once, and she only got one stinger. How did that happen?

The sting of a centipede

We waited for the train at St. Nicholas Abbey, a heritage railway. Our daughter sat patiently on a wooden bench for it. As I said, the animals aren't aggressive, but our daughter accidentally sat on a centipede. It apparently didn't like that, because she jumped up with a huge leap and screamed her head off. Her leg then swelled up immensely and must have been incredibly painful.

Thank God the train came right away, though, and she was distracted. After we were back at the station, about an hour later, the swelling was already slowly going down.

Attention: You can, of course, also have a severe allergic reaction. We are well-versed in this and immediately noticed that our daughter did not show any allergic reaction. If you are allergic to wasp stings, you might also be allergic to centipede stings. Therefore, please see a doctor if this happens.

The centipede is therefore the most dangerous animal we have discovered on Barbados. We have only seen two or three of them in the wild. But we are also careful and always check that no centipede is sitting under chairs or benches.

11. Even More Animals in Barbados

Numerous animal species live in Barbados. You will definitely see pigeons here every day, both big and small. If you drop any food, a pigeon is guaranteed to be there a few minutes later. There are also mongooses on land, which resemble martens. They roam around everywhere and are rather annoying, as they go for garbage bags, similar to rats. Mongooses are diurnal and look quite cute.

Spiders in Barbados

Yes, of course, there are spiders in Barbados. But none are venomous, at least not to us humans. And one more thing upfront: there are no large spiders in Barbados. The largest spider we've seen here was in the south of the island. It was an orb-weaver, a Silver Garden Spider. We have similar ones in Switzerland, where they are called European garden spiders. If you live on the west coast, like we do, you won't find any spiders here.

In the botanical gardens, we've seen a so-called Gasteracantha cancriformis a few times, also a orb-weaver spider. However, a very, very small one. It only gets a few millimeters in size. It's pure luck if you notice it among the flowers and plants.

Furthermore, there are numerous snails, with and without shells, cockroaches, rats, as well as seagulls and sparrows.

Last but not least – Marine animals

That there's teeming with marine life, fish, crabs, and turtles on or near an island is probably obvious even to the biggest couch potato 😆 No offense, there are just brilliant Netflix series. I love those too. But back to the topic.

Barbados is a coral island, meaning it was formed over millions of years (that long time again) from crustaceans, plants, and sediment. Consequently, there are countless reefs close to the beach, inviting you to snorkel and dive.

I discovered snorkeling for myself over the last two years. Because of this, I've been able to see a large part of Barbados' underwater world. The most colorful parrotfish can be found just a few hundred meters from the beach. These can reach a considerable size. You also frequently see eels, turtles, starfish, rays, and octopuses here.

I've only seen whales in Barbados from afar so far. For that, it's best to drive to the north of the island. However, there are only a few weeks a year when you can actually see whales.

What I can really recommend is booking a fishing trip. We went out to sea with a few friends and caught some really big hauls. It was pure fun, even though my stomach was emptier than ever afterwards. But a really cool adventure.

Conclusion

Ich hoffe, ich konnte dir einen kleinen Einblick in die Artenvielfalt auf Barbados geben. Der Titel „gefährliche Tiere in Barbados“ ist natürlich mit Humor zu sehen. Wir sind mit unseren Kids ständig auf Erkundungstour im Dschungel und wissen ganz genau, dass wir zu jeder Zeit 100% sicher überall sind.

I can only „warmly“ recommend a trip to the tropics. 😉 It's absolutely fascinating to get to know the flora and fauna here. Now I'll give you a few more impressions, uncommented, in my photo gallery.

Have fun and always remember: „Memories Last A Lifetime!„