Exploring the Animal Kingdom: The Most Dangerous Animals in Each American State

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collates information on the animals most likely to cause fatalities in each state in the United States. Of course, it’s unlikely that you’ll come face to face with any of the animals on the list. So, don’t let this list deter you from visiting places on your vacation bucket list. Simply use it as a guide and make sure you don’t take any chances when visiting the places listed below. 

Worst of all, there are numerous types of insects circulating in the area, meaning there are multiple ways to get stung. There are many different species, including the bald-faced hornet, blue-winged wasp, and American bumblebee, to name a few.

Fortunately, there haven’t been many deaths reported lately, due in large part to the fact that local residents are cautious and very careful when out in the wilderness. However, knowing that a bear could appear out of nowhere still gives us the creeps. 

In 2017, the state recorded nine deaths resulting from car accidents involving deer. The state has its fair share of bears, wolves, cougars, mosquitoes, and ticks. However, none of these creatures come close to the danger a deer can impose without even meaning to harm anyone. 

Indeed, looks can be deceiving. People in Virginia have had unfortunate experiences, with a high number of fatal dog attacks on small children. As a result, Virginia has passed a strict statute that holds dog owners responsible. Humans need just as much training as their dogs do to ensure they know how to handle their animals.

Vermont is known for more than just its delicious food and fresh produce. They’re also known for deer ticks – a venomous insect that may transmit Lyme disease to humans and animals such as dogs. The state has the highest incidents of Lyme disease in the United States. So, before you fly to Vermont, make sure you take all of the necessary precautions.

This brown recluse spider is widely known to be infesting the state. It’s safe to say that they live in or around every home in the area. The likelihood of seeing one face to face is pretty high, which is a big no from us! Its bite will not kill you, but it’s undoubtedly painful. 

We wish we could say the same about the bison of South Dakota. However, this US state is famous for its not-so-friendly Bison population. These majestic creatures are responsible for numerous attacks in Custer State Park. However, we can’t blame the bison for everything. Their attacks generally result from people getting too close. Lesson: Give bison their personal space, and everything will be fine.

They aren’t all rainbows and butterflies, though. You’d undoubtedly hear a lot of complaints about wasps if you questioned someone in South Carolina. We can’t blame them; wasps and hornets are responsible for most of the state’s animal-related deaths. If you ever find yourself in South Carolina, stay clear of wasp nests.

The female widow is much more dangerous because of its venom. If you see one, keep a safe distance as they will bite you if they feel threatened. If you are bitten, you’ll typically feel very sick. Black widow venom can cause discomfort, fever, chills, muscle cramps, and headaches. You’ll need immediate medical attention if this happens.

We acknowledge that dogs, regardless of breed, require training and that any aggressive behavior displayed by pets should be addressed so that they do not harm society. If you have a dog, train it yourself or get someone to do it for you.

The reason these insects are deadly is that many people who live in the area are allergic to their venom. If you have the same allergies, we suggest avoiding areas prone to these insects and carrying the appropriate medication with you just in case.

Oklahoma faces the unique problem of tigers escaping from zoos and getting out into the wild, leading to some bizarre (and often fatal) encounters with humans. In one instance, a tiger got out of its cage because the fence was not properly secured. 

In Ohio, most dog-related deaths are due to pit bulls, but other dog breeds cause injuries to humans as well. Before you label all pit bulls as a menace, remember that a dog’s bad behavior is directly related to the owner’s neglect or lack of training.

What’s worse is that these tiny but deadly fire ants currently infest the state of North Carolina. The odds of being bitten are surprisingly high, which is crazy considering that their stings can be excruciating. Fire ant bites are known to cause swelling, redness, and even blisters.

Interestingly, accidents spike in June every year. In 2016, the number of deer-related deaths climbed by 9%. We may not know the reason behind it, but if you’re heading to New Mexico, be extra careful on the roads, especially in June.

We advise you to stay away from these critters because they are dangerous. In general, stinging insects continue to be a problem in Washington. Of course, the state of Washington is a fantastic travel destination, so don’t let this put you off. Just take precautions to protect yourself from insects.

You’ll probably think they are slow runners if you look at their bulky heads and bodies. But don’t get too comfortable. Bison can move quickly when they need to. If one charges at you, it has the strength to flip you in the air like a paper plane. So, treat Bison (and all wild animals) with respect, and maintain a healthy distance.

If you happen to visit New Jersey, we encourage you to be aware of the coyotes. These animals are intelligent, and they can easily hunt you in a group, so be mindful of your surroundings, and never let your guard down.

If you are visiting Nevada or any state with disease-carrying rodents, be extra careful as the viruses they transmit can progress rapidly. These mice look cute, tiny, and completely harmless, but don’t be fooled. As the saying goes, looks can be deceiving.

If you are a non-native resident and come across cows, stay away. They can be aggressive and may charge you if they feel threatened. A piece of advice: bring your mud boots if you intend to visit Nebraska!

One of the most fearful attacks ever recorded was in 1967, when two young women were killed by two grizzly bears within a few miles of each other. Grizzly bears in Montana are not afraid of human beings. This lack of fear began when humans began feeding them, causing them to lose any worries they may have had about humans and start approaching us in search of food.

If you happen to see one in the wild in Utah, we advise you to run in the opposite direction as fast as possible. If you don’t run, the deer may attack you and cause severe damage to your body. We don’t want anyone to get hurt, so be careful around deer in Utah.

Dog bites are responsible for most animal deaths in New York State. It’s not a surprise, though, given the density of New York City and the number of people with enormous dogs stuck in their small homes. We just hope they are treated well so they have better behavior in the future.

We all know how frightening a snake can be, not only for children but for anyone who encounters them in the wild. Coming across one on a stroll is more than terrifying, especially when you don’t know which species of snake it is. If you sustain a bite in Missouri or anywhere else, make sure to go directly to the hospital.

The nickname “fire ant” is given to them because of the burning sensation caused by their bites. Unfortunately, fire ant infestations in Texas are becoming worse over time. If you’re living in this area, be careful you don’t step on a nest as the results could be disastrous.

If you find one that looks like this, kindly leave it alone. Their nests are usually well concealed, so your best bet is to just avoid poking around where you don’t belong! Fail to mind your own business, and you’ll be in for a world of pain. 

Bees are most active from late afternoon to late evening. During this time, try to stay as far away from them as possible. If you have allergies and wish to go walking in wooded areas, ensure you have the appropriate medication with you. 

In New Hampshire, dogs are responsible for more fatal injuries than any other animal. Due to this, the state has passed laws to cover the victims of attacks. All we ask is that dog owners learn how to properly train and care for their pets.

As with most of the animals on this list, if you leave moose be, they will not harm you. At this point, we can say that people are more terrifying than animals because we are the ones disturbing their peaceful lives. If you see a wild moose, get out of the scene and let it live its life.

If you see one, don’t think of making a joke – it may sting you before you can get to the punchline. You may not even know you’re stung until the pain sets in, so get out of the area, and warn others of their presence. If you’re stung by a wasp and have any serious allergic reactions or skin issues, go straight to the ER!

Black bears in Kentucky are quite a nuisance since they frequently raid gardens and restaurants. However, they’re generally not aggressive towards people. On the contrary, they are quite shy and avoid people when possible. If you see one, don’t start running as you may look like prey. Instead, back away slowly, keeping your eye on the bear. 

Though they don’t look like the kind of animal that would kill people, always remember that cows are pretty heavy. So, if they charge you, you could get crushed. This is really horrifying, isn’t it? Just don’t do anything that may threaten them. 

In this case, it’s not the deer’s fault. Accidents occur because hunters set up their deer-hunting stands high in the trees and fall, resulting in severe injuries or death. Hunting accidents happen frequently in Mississippi. Simply put, these events are due to human error.

Still, dog attacks are quite common in Michigan. We encourage dog owners to train their dogs, care for them as members of their families, and help them learn good behavior. Also, kindly ask permission from the owner when you want to pet a dog – it could save you from trouble.

Just like Nebraska, Iowa is home to a huge percentage of the nation’s cattle. Working with livestock can be pretty dangerous, and it is not uncommon for workers to suffer injuries. Cows can be aggressive, but many injuries occur accidentally when herding them through corrals.

When visibility is at its lowest, deer come rushing down and are active at dawn and dusk. They also enjoy crossing roads late at night. Due to the reduced visibility and the fact that deer are often stunned by headlights, accidents occur. 

It’s undeniable how these animals earned their name: they approach you and begin acting like they are dying. They walk slowly, but make sure you don’t run because they will soon drop the act and chase after you.  Illinois is also home to some of the most dangerous snakes, but it’s the sick coyotes you really have to look out for.

Idaho has plenty of bears, so as we’ve warned you before, prepare for a worst-case scenario. Bears can be aggressive for many reasons, but it’s important to remember that when you go out into nature, you’re in their territory. Be cautious, be respectful, and if one gets close, use bear spray to deter it. Bear spray is far more effective than guns at preventing bear attacks. 

How can tiger sharks be dangerous? They like to swim in shallow water, so they can sometimes come across people splashing around the shoreline and attack them. Contrary to popular belief, the tiger shark, not the great white shark, is the most dangerous animal in Hawaii.

The number of snake bites in Georgia jumped by 40% in 2017, most likely owing to the shorter, milder winters. It’s not the only state with snakes, but it’s a pretty dangerous one, so be careful. If you’re bitten, make sure to visit the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

Of course, it’s essential to resist that urge and to stay away from them as much as possible. Many people get injured or even die in car accidents with deer. Injuries in cars are widespread as a result of a mix of driver and animal misjudgments. Deer attacks are rare, but when they do occur, it’s usually because people have been interacting with them and feeding them.

Worse, they travel for free from one location to another and from one country to another. They have the ability to bring diseases from any country. Unfortunately, Florida is a hub for them. If you live in the state or plan to visit, make sure you have plenty of mosquito repellent on hand.

If you plan to go hiking in Delaware, it’s a good idea to have a friend or two with you since coyotes are more likely to attack lone travelers. Even if they don’t attack you, they might pose a danger to you, and they may hang around to steal your food when an opportune moment arises.

To be honest, bobcats look like an animal you don’t want to mess with. They are fierce and so perfectly camouflaged that they’re hard to spot when they get close to you. Even if you do spot one, you have no chance of outrunning them. The trick is to make yourself look as large as you can and back away slowly. Don’t make direct eye contact, but don’t let the bobcat out of your sight. Loud noises can also scare them off. 

Cougars are big cats, and once they launch their attacks, they’re unstoppable. We don’t wish anyone to get attacked by cougars, so we recommend staying far away if you see one. Making yourself look large and creating a lot of noise can also keep them at bay. Whatever you do, don’t run, and don’t let it out of your sight until you’re safe. 

If you’re ever bitten by a rattlesnake, it’s a severe danger that can be fatal; luckily, anti-venom can save your life. Before heading out into the wilds of California, we recommend that you prepare for the possibility of meeting a rattlesnake.

If you happen to see one, don’t approach it – you don’t know what state it’s in or what it might do. Black bears might look like big, peaceful animals, and many of them eat almost exclusively vegetarian diets, but that’s just one side of them. They can also be very dangerous.

As we mentioned before, dogs can be aggressive toward humans, so it’s important not to approach dogs you don’t know. If you get attacked by one, it could result in severe injuries that could even end your life. Therefore, we recommend that people keep their dogs on a leash and understand that just because your dog is gentle with you doesn’t mean it will be with strangers.

Another sad issue with these massive beasts is that they are often struck by cars on the highway. Collisions can result in a lot of damage, and many moose and humans don’t survive these tragic accidents. If you’re heading to Alaska, be careful on the roads and respectful of any wildlife you encounter.

Pet owners need to understand that having a dog is a major commitment. Both you and the dog must be trained to ensure you don’t put your family or members of your community in danger. Please consider if you really have the time and money to dedicate to their training and care. If not, then we respectfully ask that you reconsider adopting a dog.