Deadliest Wildlife in America
North America’s got some seriously dangerous creatures lurking in the wild. Most of them aren’t out to get you; but if things go south, let’s just say the odds aren’t exactly in your favor.
Here are 10 of the deadliest animals you might run into in the US—and what you should (and shouldn’t) do if you ever come face-to-face with one.
Quick Stats
Before we dive into the details, these statistics will help gain some perspective.
According to a study done by the Berryman Institute, over 47,000 people annually in the US sought medical attention after being attacked or bitten by wildlife.
Approximately 8 people experience a fatal attack each year.
State Specific: Texas
Texas has been named the state with the most fatalities caused by wild animals.
According to the CDC, Texas tops the list with 520 fatalities caused by animals between 1999-2019, and an average of 26 fatalities each year.
State Specific: California & Florida
California takes the runner-up spot with 299 animal-related fatalities over those 20 years, while Florida rounds out the top three with 247.
Now, let’s dive into the animals that are actually behind those numbers—and find out which ones you really need to watch out for.
Spiders
Some of the deadliest species of spiders live in North America. Two of which are the notorious black widow, and the brown recluse.
Konrad Summers, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Spiders: Black Widow & Brown Recluse
The black widow venom is considered the second strongest of any spider. The venom of the brown recluse is necrotic, even though they are not particularly aggressive.
Rosa Pineda, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Scorpions
A scorpion uses the stinger on the end of its tail to inject venom into unsuspecting enemies or predators.
Shantanu Kuveskar, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Scorpions: The Arizona Bark Scorpion
The Arizona Bark Scorpion holds the title as the most venomous scorpion in the U.S., packing a sting that can be seriously dangerous.
Back in the 1980s, this little menace was linked to over 800 deaths in Mexico—so yeah, it’s not one to mess with.
Andrew Meeds, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bears
Bears are usually represented as cute and cuddly, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. They are easily one of the most dangerous species in America.
Bears: Black, Brown & Polar
There are three species of bear native to North America, all of which have the capacity to be particularly dangerous: the black bear, brown bear and polar bear.
All of which will attack if they feel even the least bit threatened.
Wolves & Coyotes
Wolf attacks in North America are pretty rare, but they’ve been on the rise lately.
Coyotes? Now that’s a whole different story.
Henry, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Coyotes
Coyotes, on the other hand, have been involved with numerous fatalities over the years. Small children are at the greatest risk, with numerous reports of coyotes attempting to snatch children under the age of 5.
Tracie Hall, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Wolves: The Gray Wolf
Weighing up to 90lbs, gray wolves hunt in packs of 40 or more. Over the years, many of them have become acclimated to larger human populations, resulting in more attacks.
Andy Witchger, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
American Bison
The American Bison is the biggest land animal in the United States, standing at a whopping 6 feet and weighing 1.5 tons.
The American Bison rarely attack unless provoked, but when they do, its deadly.
Jack Dykinga, Wikimedia Commons
Alligators
Alligators don’t mess around—they’ll snap up just about anything that crosses their path. In fact, their jaw strength beats every other animal bite ever measured in a lab.
With around 1.5 million alligators in Florida alone, it’s no surprise they cause about 10 fatal attacks every year.
cuatrok77, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sharks
Shark attacks are also very common in Florida, as well as other coastal states. Not all bites are fatal, but they sure do cause a lot of pain and suffering.
All three of the main man-eating species of sharks can be found off the coast of North America.
Sharks: Great Whites, Bull, & Tiger
Every recorded fatality in California has been attributed to great white sharks. On the other hand, in Florida, bull sharks and tiger sharks carry out most attacks.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Snakes
There are several species of venomous snakes within the USA.
Each year, there are an estimated 5 deaths per 8000 cases of venomous bites—this number would be much higher if anti-venom medication wasn’t readily available.
Oliver Neuman, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Coral Snake
The most venomous snake in North America? That’d be the coral snake, a sneaky relative of the cobra. Its venom can shut down your respiratory system, basically leaving victims unable to breathe—and that’s where things get deadly...
JoelAmaya, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Rattlesnake
The Rattlesnake is the most recognized species of snake and has a much more aggressive demeanor.
Diamondback rattlesnakes are larger in size, and have a venom that can cause intense pain and damage to body tissues.
Gerald A. DeBoer, Shutterstock
Deer
Deer may surprise you because they seem so innocent, but they are actually responsible for more fatalities than any other animal in the US.
Deer: Fatalities
Most deadly accidents involving deer happen when they dart across roads, causing serious crashes that can end in fatal injuries for people.
Africanized Bees
More commonly known as killer bees, Africanized Bees attack in swarms, often with devastating results. They even chase their victims for up to a quarter of a mile.
One sting may not be fatal, but several stings certainly can.
Carlos Eduardo Joos, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Africanized Bees: Fatalities
The number of Africanized Bees is increasing in the United States, leading to an increase in fatalities; annually, 40 to 50 people pass from allergic reactions following stings.
Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Wikimedia Commons
Cougars
Although cougar attacks on humans can be rare, they are not unheard of—and their attacks are absolutely brutal.
National Park Service from USA, Wikimedia Commons
Cougar Attacks
Over the last few decades, there have been more than 100 cougar attacks in the U.S., with 27 ending in fatalities. Sadly, many of the victims were kids.
National Park Service, Wikimedia Commons
Livestock
Believe it or not, farm livestock is one of the most dangerous class of animals in the entire country. From a horse’s powerful kick to a goat’s sharp horns, farm animals have been known to cause quite a stir.
But those aren’t the worst ones.
Cows
Surprisingly, cows—who are typically slow and docile—can be dangerous if they all begin to stampede at the same time. Their sheer body weight makes them dangerous.
Hikers and cyclists whom exercise in the countryside can attest to the danger of spooking a herd of cattle.
Humans
And finally, the most dangerous being in the United States is the human. While not classified as wildlife, humans still post a significant threat to each other.
There are over 3 million human fatalities each year in the US, caused by other humans.
States With Least Attacks
At the other end of the list, Delaware, North Dakota, and Rhode Island come in last—each with zero animal-related fatalities recorded over the past 20 years. Safe and sound!
Deadliest Animal of All
The brown bear can undoubtedly be classified as the deadliest creature in North America due to its fiercely territorial nature.
If provoked, brown bears will fight till the very end.
Second Deadliest
The second deadliest animal in the US is a tie between sharks and snakes—with most snake-related fatalities being from rattlesnake bites.
How To Avoid Wildlife Attacks: Bears
If you come face-to-face with a black bear, the best move is to make yourself look as big as you can and make plenty of noise.
But with a brown bear? You want to do the opposite—stay calm, stay still, and slowly back away without any sudden moves. Two bears, two very different game plans.
How To Avoid Wildlife Attacks: Bears
Knowing the difference between a black bear and a brown bear can save your life. It is also advised that you carry bear spray when you plan to visit areas where bears are present.
How To Avoid Wildlife Attacks: Sharks
Most shark attacks happen unexpectedly, so it is tough to be prepared. But if you find yourself being attacked by a shark, it is advised that you immediately attack back—and with as much force as you can possibly manage.
Use anything you have as a tool to help you fight. Target the eyes, gills and nose.
NOAA Ocean Exploration, Flickr
How To Avoid Wildlife Attacks: Snakes
In the event of being bitten by a venomous snake, it is advised that you keep calm to avoid the spread of the venom throughout your body.
Keep the bite below the heart level, clean it with warm, soapy water, and cover with a clean dressing while waiting for EMS.
How To Avoid Wildlife Attacks: Snakes
Forget what you’ve heard—sucking out venom is actually a bad idea.
What does matter is remembering the snake’s colors and patterns, since that can be a lifesaver when it comes to getting the right treatment fast.
Final Thoughts
While wildlife attacks are not as common as people may think, when they do happen, they can be seriously detrimental.
Most wildlife attacks have the potential to end in fatalities. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared for possible attacks so that medical help can be reached within a reasonable time frame.
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