Every state in the US has its pros and cons. Even though the positive aspects of each state many times outweigh the negative ones, they are still worth examining before leaving your house. In this case, each state consists of wildlife that has been life-threatening to residents and tourists for several years.
From grizzly bears to tiger sharks, here we will reveal which animals to avoid in each part of the country.
Dogs in Alabama
To everyone’s surprise, in Alabama, dogs are not just man’s best friend, they are also man’s worst nightmare. According to the CDC, dog attacks are the primary cause of animal-related deaths in the state.
Even though untrained dogs tend to be more aggressive, it’s important to know what kind of animal we are putting inside our houses.
So, when visiting Alabama watch out with the canines, looks can be deceiving!
Moose in Alaska
Apart from being the largest state in the US, Alaska is also known for its untamable wilderness and huge populations of bears. Shockingly, bears are not the only creature that we should be worried about in Alaska.
The giant and intimidating Moose is the major cause of fatalities among humans in the state. That’s because these giant creatures regularly get hit by cars when crossing the highways and sometimes these crashes can be fatal.
Therefore, be careful when driving on these highways, there could always be a moose on the loose.
Dogs in Arizona
When we think of Arizona, we think of its sun-drenched desert landscape, cacti, national parks, etc.
Yet, we rarely think of the things that could threaten us when we are there. And to our surprise, dogs are one of them. There have been 26 deaths in Arizona between the late 90s and 2000s.
There’s even a strict liability law in the state when it comes to dog bites. So, watch out! Petting a dog in Arizona could be life-threatening.
Black Bears in Arkansas
Although they are not the biggest bears in the wild, Black bears are something to be aware of in Arkansas. While most of these predators live secluded from human activity, experts say that their population has been increasing.
On one hand, that could signify a revival of wildlife in Arkansas, yet it could also affect the safety of livestock and humans.
Occasional injuries between humans and bears have been recorded in the state. And these injuries must have been unbearable (pun intended).
Rattlesnakes in California
It’s certainly not all sunshine, and rainbows in California. Especially when coming across one of the most venomous snakes out there, the rattlesnake.
They’re quite a common sight in the Golden State but luckily many people survive to tell the story. To be more precise, the California Poison Control Center reported that there are about 800 rattlesnake bites per year, with only 1 to 2 deaths registered.
But don’t count on those statistics, when getting bitten by one of these slithering creatures it’s important to rush to the hospital.
Cougars in Colorado
When adventuring into the Colorado wilderness, it’s important to be careful not only with spiders and snakes but mostly with cougars.
Also known as mountain lions, these massive felines thrive in the isolated mountain ranges of the Centennial State.
However, according to reports, there has been 24 known attack of mountain lion causing injury to a human since 1990 in this region of the country with 3 fatal incidents. Even though cougars are beautiful they can also be a menacing animal.
Bobcats in Connecticut
In Connecticut, snow blizzards are not the only threat. When exploring the Constitution State it’s crucial to keep our eyes peeled for bobcats.
These felines are popularly known for hunting wild rabbits, squirrels, etc, and sometimes come face-to-face with humans.
Even though they are most interested in eating livestock, there still has been a couple of attacks registered in Connecticut. It’s best to stay away from them even though they look like docile creatures.
Coyotes in Delaware
In the small state of Delaware, cayotes are the one invasive species that the locals fear the most. They certainly are fearless and there are more attacks on human pets registered than in humans.
Regardless of that, as the population of these canines grows, the interaction between humans and coyotes becomes more common.
With that in mind, these animals are increasingly accustomed to people, and that poses a greater threat to both humans and their beloved pets.
Mosquitoes in Florida
In the sunny state of Florida, who would’ve thought that in a place with possibly the biggest alligators in the country, mosquitoes would be the deadliest threat to humans?
That’s because the Sunshine State has the perfect climate for these insects to reproduce and carry lethal diseases like dengue, West Nile, etc.
Make sure to bring loads of repellent when in this part of the country, because a little mosquito bite can turn into a huge problem!
Snakes in Georgia
Amongst all the predators in the wild, snakes are probably one of the scariest ones and in Georgia, there we can find a variety of them.
The most common snakes found there are copperhead, cottonmouth, and coral snake which are also one of the most poisonous.
A single bite could take any of us directly to the ICU. Experts say the bite itself doesn’t hurt much but the poison released in our bodies could cause serious harm. When in Georgia, turn your snake alert on!
Tiger Sharks in Hawaii
On the beautiful island of Hawaii, there’s a fearful apex predator that lurks beneath the water: Galeocerdo cuvier, or the tiger shark.
Perhaps one of the most aggressive sharks, the tiger shark is a force to be reckoned with. And after a series of attacks in the state, residents claim that they have been spotted swimming extremely close to shores.
Experts say that there’s been an increase in tiger shark sightings especially after heavy rains when upland fishes and other animals are swept out to sea. So, testing the waters is of extreme importance when going for a swim in the ocean of Aloha State.
Bears in Idaho
When doing any outdoor activity, crossing paths with a grizzly bear is surely the last thing we would want to happen.
And when in Idaho we got to be wary of exactly that. These large mammals have been listed by CDC as the deadliest animals to come into contact with.
Weighing up to 600 pounds or more and with the ability to run at a whopping 30 mph, there is a reason why they are top-of-chain predators. So, be certain to carry bear spray at all times when exploring the outdoors of the Gem State.
Zombie Coyotes in Illinois
At night in Illinois, just like in a horror film, streets get filled with Zombie coyotes. By zombies coyotes, we mean coyotes that have been infected with rabies.
Thanks to the infection, coyotes look like sick abandoned dogs and that’s where the danger lies. They are found in suburbs and residential areas where they know humans live.
Due to their unhealthy dog-like appearance, the nice Illinoisan people reach out to help but end up getting bitten by the aggressive canines. Hopefully, this is not the beginning of a zombie apocalypse.
Deer in Indiana
Deers can be found all over America and especially in Indiana. But these docile animals pose a certain threat to all drivers in Indiana.
Unfortunately, these ruminant mammals are not the brightest, and in Hosier State, they cause numerous vehicle accidents.
In fact, in 2016, there were about 14,000 deer that were involved in car accidents in Indiana, which in some cases ended up costing the lives of these drivers. This makes us wonder if the deers in Indiana are even less intelligent than the average deer.
Cows in Iowa
Cows are mostly known for being sleepy, grass-eating animals. However, in Iowa, they have a different reputation.
This state has totaled 3.85 million heads of cattle and calves with about 28,000 cattle operations happening across the state. Being trapped in an enclosed space with an animal this size can be a risky activity, therefore, a lot of work incidents and sometimes fatal injuries take place in these scenarios.
With so many operations happening in Iowa, many livestock handlers, become a victim to these large cloven-hooved herbivores.
Cows in Kansas
In the wild, cows behave much differently than in an enclosed space like a farm, or a feeding operation. They can become aggressive.
In Kansas, with so many operations going on daily, putting workers in such dangerous proximity to these animals result in many work-related accidents.
While some of them live to tell the story and work another day, others don’t. That’s to say that in the Sunflower State, cows are certainly the most dangerous animals.
Black Bears in Kentucky
Although black bears look like cute and huggable animals but do not be mistaken. These wild mammals could take any of us out in a blink of an eye.
In Kentucky, the number of black bears seems to be increasing yearly. As their population gets bigger, interaction with humans becomes more common.
As we can imagine, this interaction is rarely positive for humans, and there have been several bear attacks reported in the state. So, be aware of the Kentucky bear.
Hornets in Louisiana
Known for housing one of the biggest stinging insects, Louisiana is home to thousands of scary-looking hornets. As if the state’s large alligator population wasn’t frightening enough!
A hornet’s sting is not only more powerful than a bee’s but it can also sting multiple times. In the state, swarms of Asian hornets have attacked people several times and it’s the cause of most insect-related incidents.
Even though Louisiana Hornets may sound like a school mascot, they pose a major threat to any of us who finds ourselves there.
Moose in Maine
Known to be highly protective and territorial animals, in Maine, Moose are spotted quite frequently. In the rural areas of the state, they also present danger.
Even though these large animals don’t usually attack humans they have been responsible for 294 car collisions in 2021 alone.
Experts say that the collision numbers have been increasing each year and so is the Moose population in the area. As a result, driving in Maine can be a risky thing to do.
Bees And Other Stinging Insects in Maryland
In Maryland, bees and other stinging insects are a force to reckon with. Their painful stings and potential for severe allergic reactions, especially for those allergic to their venom are something to watch out for.
They can also become aggressive when threatened, increasing the risk of multiple stings.
Although it’s difficult to avoid these flying insects, it’s crucial to exercise caution and avoid encounters to minimize the danger.
Black widow spiders in Michigan
Due to Michigan’s unique geography, it attracts many outdoor enthusiasts. Yet, exploring nature around “The Mitten” comes with a price.
The price to pay is to potentially encounter the black widow spider. Its venom is fifteen times more toxic than rattlesnake venom, and it’s considered the most venomous snake in the state.
While these spiders are easily distinguishable, their small size can sometimes make them go unnoticed. Beware and stay vigilant; before tucking into bed, a cautious peek under the sheets is advisable!
Deers in Minnesota
Different than other states, in Minnesota we don’t have to worry about venomous insects, snakes, or any of that. We have to be careful with the deer, primarily during the mating season!
During this time of the year, the bucks are more aggressive than usual, leading to car accidents and attacks on humans.
Caution is necessary while driving in the streets of Minnesota. It’s highly advised to avoid interactions with them.
Deer in Mississippi
Drivers in Mississippi have to be very alert due to the high deer population in the state.
Deers can be life-threatening due to their presence on roadways, which leads to an increased risk of car accidents.
Additionally, deer ticks, are also very prevalent in Mississippi and they can transmit Lyme disease, making encounters with deer potentially hazardous to human health. Oh, deer!
Snakes in Missouri
In the lush landscapes of Missouri, snakes lurk beneath the foliage. Among them are some of the most venomous serpents in North America.
Their venom packs a punch, causing intense pain and potential complications for those unfortunate enough to be bitten.
With a stealthy presence, these slithering creatures can catch unsuspecting hikers off guard, making encounters in the wild both thrilling and perilous.
Mountain lion in Montana
In the wilderness of Montana hides its most secretive predator – the mountain lion.
They are dangerous to humans because of their predatory instincts, territorial behavior, and potential habituation to human presence.
While attacks on humans are rare, caution is wise when exploring their territory. When encountering the big cat a person needs to make noise and respond calmly. Avoiding them in all instances is the best option!
Rogue Cows in Nebraska
When dealing with animals there’s always a risk because they are unpredictable. Rogue cows, also known as domesticated cows are no different.
In Nebraska, you can an abundance of these cows, and some of them can be very aggressive. Usually, rogue cows find themselves nervous and agitated since they have accidentally separated themselves from their herds.
They pose a risk to farmers, ranchers, or anyone who comes into contact with them. They may look cute but don’t be fooled!
Deer Mice in Nevada
In the vast, rugged landscapes of Nevada, the innocent-looking deer mice conceal a deadly secret – hantavirus.
Their droppings, urine, and saliva carry this dangerous virus, posing a grave risk to anyone who encounters them.
When in the wild state, vigilance, caution, and proper sanitation are the keys to outwitting these charming yet perilous creatures in the battle for safety.
Bears in New Hampshire
Within the picturesque beauty of New Hampshire’s forests and mountains, roam the captivating and potentially hazardous black bears.
Though rare, encounters can happen, especially during their active times. So even in urban areas is possible to see one, especially after their hibernating season.
So whenever you find yourself in the Granite State, be bare-aware! These iconic residents are meant to be taken seriously.
Mosquitoes in New Jersey
Anticipated by every local, New Jersey’s summers bring joy and excitement. However, mosquitoes can ruin the season’s delights.
These pesky insects thrive in the state’s humid and warm climate, buzzing around in search of blood meals mostly during the night. We’ve all been bitten by these flying pests and it usually itches a lot.
Beyond the bothersome itch, these bites carry far graver risks. They can transmit also spread dengue fever, West Nile Virus, and malaria which can be deadly to humans. Therefore, applying repellent can save our lives when in NJ.
Deers New Mexico
Contrary to what’s expected, the desert-rich state of New Mexico, doesn’t harbor an abundance of poisonous snakes and scorpions.
Surprisingly, it’s the gentle deer that poses the greatest risk, causing the most animal-related deaths and injuries.
In 2016, deer-related fatalities saw a significant increase. Therefore, don’t get tricked by their docile looks, their survival instincts are not the greatest!
Black Bears in New York
In the great state of New York, interestingly, black bears pose a certain threat to the residents.
Even though it’s rare, black bear encounters do happen, especially in areas where humans and bears share habitats. And in New York there had been an increase in the interaction between bears and humans.
These massive creatures prefer to stay away from humans. However, when faced with food shortages in the wild, they are drawn to dumpsters and houses in search of sustenance.
Fire Ants in North Carolina
In the charming state of North Carolina, there’s a fiery menace that hides beneath the surface – fire ants.
These insects are very aggressive and relentless. They can be found in lawns, parks, and outdoor spaces, ready to deliver painful stings wherever they are.
Their bites can cause burning sensations, itching, and swelling, leading to major discomfort in some individuals. On top of it all, they are very difficult to spot due to their small size.
Bison in North Dakota
Amidst the rugged landscapes of North Dakota, many wild animals can be spotted. However, the mighty bison stands out due to their size.
Roaming freely in the state’s wilderness, this formidable creature wields both power and unpredictability.
Approaching them closely can serve as a reminder that admiration is safest from a distance.
Coyotes in Ohio
In the Buckeye State of Ohio, a clever and adaptable predator roams—the coyote.
These elusive canines, though generally shy and wary of humans, have displayed increased boldness in recent years. Their resourcefulness in scavenging for food near human habitats has led to conflicts.
Also, encounters between coyotes and people’s pets have been on the rise, causing concerns for pet safety. Be careful out there Ohioans, coyotes are not as friendly as they look!
Mountain Lions in Oklahoma
In the wild and untamed landscapes of Oklahoma, the majestic-looking mountain lions demand respect and fear among the locals.
These felines inhabit parts of Oklahoma and can be potentially dangerous if confronted or startled.
Encounters with humans have happened before however, to our relief, there haven’t been many attacks recorded (yet). But these predators are unpredictable so keep an eye out!
Cougars in Oregon
Beyond Oregon’s breathtaking nature lies a dangerous animal that many people fear – the cougar.
Most commonly seen in the northeastern part of the state, these feline predators deserve to be respected due to the increase in the once-rare cougar sightings.
The state has even prompted a “Cougar Management Program” which is designed to address the conflicts between the growing numbers of cougars and humans.
Ticks in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to various tick species, including the black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick).
This species of tick is notorious for transmitting Lyme disease which can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic “bull’s-eye” rash.
If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more severe health complications. To protect yourself from it make sure to wear long sleeves and use insect repellent.
Black Widow Spiders in Rhode Island
The black widow spiders have one of the most potent venoms of all spiders and in Rhode Island, there’s a large population of them. Which is not necessarily a good thing!
If bitten by a black widow. Its venom contains neurotoxins that can cause severe pain and muscle cramps. Sounds painful just by reading this, right?!
They are known for their distinctive red hourglass marking on the abdomen which helps identify them. Although bites are rare, they can lead to serious health issues, especially for young children and elderly individuals.
Wasps And Hornets in South Carolina
In vibrant South Carolina, the skies hold a potential threat – wasps and hornets. These stinging insects can be found buzzing around and nesting in various areas.
We urgently advise no one to provoke them since they can become aggressive and deliver the most painful sting ever.
Be aware when visiting the Palmetto State!
Deer in South Dakota
South Dakota has no shortage when it comes to large mammals and deer happen to be the most deadly of them all.
In the year 2020, a staggering 4,847 car crashes involving deer startled the state. And with the deer population on the rise, the odds of these accidents occurring continue to escalate.
So when driving around South Dakota it’s crucial to keep our eyes peeled always!
Brown Recluse Spiders in Tennessee
Beyond the mesmerizing tunes and delightful spirits, Tennessee is also known for the brown recluse spiders.
This species of spider is deemed dangerous due to its venomous bite. Although typically shy, their venom can cause tissue damage and even necrotic wounds in severe cases.
So be cautious, a watchful eye is essential when wandering through the state’s beauty!
Flood-Rafting Fire Ants in Texas
After heavy rain in Texas, an interesting phenomenon happens – flood-rafting fire ants.
As these ants’ nests get inundated, they get crafty and band together, creating massive living rafts that drift on the floodwaters.
But beware, encountering these floating armies can lead to painful stings, leaving unsuspecting victims in sheer agony. It’s spectacularly dangerous!
Scorpions in Utah
Usually found spread around different parts of Utah, scorpions are highly venomous and can send anyone to the hospital.
The most common species of scorpion in the state is the bark scorpion. Its sting is known to be very painful and can cause localized swelling and discomfort.
They often hide in dark and sheltered areas such as under rocks, logs, and debris which makes it difficult to spot them. Therefore when in Utah, it’s important to shake out clothes and shoes before wearing them.
Moose in Vermont
Weighing up to 1,400 lbs, the Moose in Vermont is something to look out for.
These seemingly tranquil giants can turn fierce and territorial. And on the roads, their massive presence poses a hazard.
When adventuring out into the wild, stay alert to avoid unexpected encounters with these magnificent creatures!
Eastern copperhead snake in Virginia
Be aware of the Eastern copperhead snakes in Virginia! They are certainly not ordinary snakes.
These slithering animals are dangerous because of their venomous bite. It causes tissue damage and intense pain.
Another thing to watch out for about these snakes is that their camouflaged appearance makes them difficult to be detected posing a risk of accidental encounters. Caution is advised when in Maryland!
Grizzly Bears in Washington
Washington is one of the few states that still have Grizzly bears. Even though they are listed as an endangered species in the state.
Grizzly bears are the second-largest species of bears and they can weigh between 400-800 lbs and be 3.3 feet at the shoulder.
Although bear attacks don’t happen often, carrying bear spray when you are in bear country can save us.
Coyote in West Virginia
Due to their tenacity for survival and predatory instincts, coyotes are one of the most dangerous animals in West Virginia.
They usually won’t bother humans, but they can be dangerous to small children or anyone who is walking alone.
Coyotes are also intelligent and adaptable predators, which is why they have recently spread into suburbs and cities.
Snakes in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, we might think of cheese and lakes, but there’s more to it than our eyes can meet.
The state is home to several species of snakes, including the elusive Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake.
While most snakes in the state are harmless and play a vital role in the ecosystem, it’s important to be aware of where we step because one bite of this slithering creature can take us directly to the ICU.
Western rattlesnake in Wyoming
A formidable predator slithers through the untamed terrain of Wyoming, demanding great caution – the Western rattlesnake.
With potent venom and its iconic rattle, this serpent stands as a symbol of danger. Normally, it’s difficult to come across it but in the great outdoors of Wyoming, it is not a rare sight.
It’s important to enjoy the nature of this beautiful state however make sure to always look down. These snakes can be sneaky!
