The Most Dangerous Animal In Each State, Revealed
The United States is home to a diverse array of wildlife, and each state boasts its own distinct cast of characters. But did you know that lurking among them are some of the most dangerous creatures in the country? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each state harbors a unique set of critters that could spell trouble for the unsuspecting. That’s right, folks – even in your own backyard, you might find yourself face to face with a formidable foe. So, if you’re feeling brave, come along for the ride as we explore the most dangerous animals in every US state. But fair warning – you might want to keep your eyes peeled!
Massachusetts – Stinging Insects
The CDC reported that stinging, flying insects, including bees and wasps, are the most threatening animal in Massachusetts. Some species to look out for are the European Honey bee, Bald-Faced hornet, and the Giant hornet.
If these insects think there may be a potential problem with their nest, they will get aggressive and sting anyone who comes near them.
Tennessee – Brown Recluse Spiders
According to the CDC, there is only one state where “contact with venomous spiders” was their most common cause of animal fatality. Tennessee is home to the dangerous Brown Recluse spider.
Their bites are painful and can become more serious if they are systemic. These kinds of bites have venom that can destroy the body’s red blood cells and cause those affected to get a red blood cell transfusion.
Minnesota – Deer
Similar to the state of Utah, deer are also the most vicious creatures found in Minnesota. Minnesota has one of the largest populations of deer, so they are bound to pop up.
Deer are one of the most common causes of car crashes because they aren’t afraid to run out in the middle of the road.
Wisconsin – Ticks
Although they are small, ticks are a creature to be feared in the state of Wisconsin. American dog (wood) and black-legged (pictured) ticks are most commonly found there.
These ticks can spread some life-threatening and chronic diseases such as Lyme disease. According to Only In Your State, there were at least 10 tick-related casualties between 2015 and 2018.
Oklahoma – Tigers
According to the CDC, Oklahoma is considered to be a “large animal” state, which means that there is an unusually high number of them there.
Some Oklahoma residents are owners of exotic animals, including tigers. These animals don’t always receive great care, which leads to them escaping and hurting unsuspecting humans.
Virginia – Eastern Cottonmouth Snakes
Eastern Cottonmouth snakes are most commonly found in the southeastern region of Virginia and are usually in the water. They can be identified by the white interior of their mouth.
Getting bit by one of these snakes can be very alarming because their bites are extremely venomous. Other dangerous animals in the area include snapping turtles, bull sharks, black widow spiders, and copperhead snakes.
Ohio – Dogs
Dogs are an extremely common household pet, and they are also one of the most lethal animals in the country, especially in the state of Ohio.
The CDC reported that the majority of dog bites are towards infants and children. Many untrained dogs resort to biting as a reaction to fear and pain.
Colorado – Cougars
The CDC wasn’t able to find too many instances of dangerous animals in Colorado, though there is quite a wide variety of wild creatures living in the state.
One Colorado animal that can be difficult to get away from is a cougar, who most often attacks on hiking trails. Fortunately, only two fatalities have been reported over the last century.
Washington – Coyotes
Washington has its fair share of dangerous wildlife due to its population of large mammals.
News Break says there are about 50,000 coyotes in the state, and the species has resisted efforts to eradicate them. Coyotes are fairly common around suburbs because they don’t fear humans.
Indiana – Deer
There are several states in the U.S. where deer are actually the most dangerous, including Indiana.
Not only are many deer struck by vehicles, but those collisions can actually end the lives of humans as well. The CDC found that in just 2016 alone, there were over 14,000 “deer-involved car accidents.”
Maryland – Bees
Stinging, flying insects such as bees are the most commonly threatening animal in the state of Maryland. One bee isn’t much of a problem on its own, but swarms of bees are a different story.
Onr student in Maryland kicked a beehive, which caused him and those around him to be stung and taken to the hospital.
South Carolina – Wasps And Hornets
Stinging insects are something to beware of in South Carolina — especially wasps and hornets.
These insects are highly territorial and aggressive, especially when they are working as a cohesive unit. One sting can send someone allergic into anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.
North Carolina – Fire Ants
While fire ants are tiny, they’re also powerful. If left untreated, their bite can be fatal.
The CDC says North Carolina is one of 14 states dealing with fire ant infestations, and North Carolina residents have a 30 to 60 percent chance of getting bitten each year.
Missouri – Venomous Snakes
Missouri residents should watch out for large reptiles.
They have five species of venomous snakes. The Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association says the national rate of snake fatalities per year is 14 to 20, and there have been five in Missouri in the last 88 years.
Texas – Fire Ants
According to the CDC, Texas has a large fire ant problem. Some people are allergic to fire ant venom and could experience anaphylactic shock as a result of a bite.
Fire ants can float and survive harsh weather conditions, so they are a force to be reckoned with.
New Jersey – Coyotes
While they’re not sure which is the most dangerous animal in the state, the CDC noticed a trend in New Jersey.
Coyotes have been increasing in population throughout the state. They have been migrating east with a population that has increased from 100 to three thousand within four years.
Connecticut – Bobcats
While Connecticut is one of the safest states in the U.S., they do have some major predators. Bobcat attacks have become a frequent occurrence, but not all bobcats pose a threat.
It’s usually when bobcats become infected with rabies that they will act in a threatening or aggressive way towards humans.
Arizona – Dogs
While Arizona has a large number of venomous snakes, these creatures aren’t their most dangerous. The CDC reported that dogs cause the most fatalities in Arizona.
In a 17-year span, there were a total of 26 fatal dog attacks in the state. This is usually because the dogs were mistreated when they were younger.
California – Rattlesnakes
If you’re a California resident, antivenom might come in handy. The state has a high population of rattlesnakes, and there are over 200 bites reported each year.
If left untreated, a rattlesnake bite can become fatal. Rattlesnakes tend to come out more frequently during the summer months and may hide in shady places such as the bottom of cars.
Florida – Mosquitos
Surprisingly, alligators aren’t the most dangerous creature in Florida! While mosquitos are non-venomous, they can carry some awful diseases.
From the West Nile virus to encephalitis, mosquitos can significantly harm and even terminate the lives of those they bite. Florida residents should be sure to wear bug spray, use mosquito nets, and eliminate areas with standing water.
Utah – Deer
There’s a lot of wildlife in Utah, but the most common category for their dangerous animals is large mammals. For example, this could range from black bears, cougars, coyotes, stray dogs, and deer.
While most deer won’t approach another human unless they are struck by a car, the deer in Utah are a lot tougher. Some are even known to take down hunters.
Illinois – Zombie Coyotes
Those who’ve never heard of zombie coyotes will most likely think again before approaching them. Commonly found in Illinois, these coyotes are usually infected with a disease and will often look sick.
People may try to get them help because they look like hurt dogs, but it’s best to leave them alone. Zombie coyotes will most likely attack if people come close enough.
Oregon – Bees, Wasps, And Yellow Jackets
Oregon residents may want to reconsider living there after finding out that there are a ton of dangerous animals in the vicinity. Not only is Oregon home to cougars, bears, scorpions, porcupines, and wolverines, but those animals don’t even make the top three most dangerous species.
The CDC claims that bees, wasps, and yellow jackets remain the most lethal creatures in the state. This is mainly because their stings cause horrific allergic reactions.
Kentucky – Domestic Cattle
Kentucky’s most dangerous animal fits into the category of domestic cattle. More specifically, cows and bulls.
The CDC reported that most of the causalities caused by these animals are “blunt force trauma” injuries that were usually to the head or chest. This can happen when people go into an enclosed space with them. Also, the most common victims are males over the age of 65.
Louisiana – Hornets, Wasps, And Bees
If you ever find yourself in Louisiana, be sure to look out for flying, stinging insects, especially hornets, wasps, and bees.
The CDC says one of the reasons why hornets and wasps are so dangerous is because they can sting repeatedly without losing their stinger. Also, there’s no limit to how many hornets can live together.
