Weighing in at a staggering 14,000 pounds, the African elephant is the largest land animal on Earth and a living battering ram wrapped in two-inch-thick hide. Capable of flipping cars and toppling trees on a whim, its intelligence rivals that of primates—complete with mourning rituals and long-term memory. Cross one and it will remember your face forever.

A 900-pound mountain of muscle, fur, and fury, the grizzly bear can sprint at 35 mph and decapitate a moose with a single swipe. Its claws measure four inches long and its bite can crush a bowling ball. Equally comfortable fishing for salmon or mauling anything foolish enough to wander near its cubs.