This Is The Most Deadly Animal In Your Home State (Dogs Cause The Most Deaths In Michigan!)
The United States is home to an astonishing mix of landscapes, which naturally supports a diverse array of wildlife. To determine which animals are the most dangerous in each state, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted an in-depth study.
Whether it's venomous snakes, aggressive coyotes, or irritating insects, the findings spotlight creatures—big and small—that pose serious risks to humans. Read on to find out which animal causes the most concern in your state.
Florida - Mosquitos
While many assume that alligators are Florida's most dangerous animal, it’s actually mosquitoes that pose the greatest threat. Despite being non-venomous, these tiny pests are capable of spreading serious diseases.
From West Nile virus to encephalitis, mosquito bites can lead to severe illness—or even death. That’s why Floridians are encouraged to take preventive steps, such as applying insect repellent, using mosquito nets, and removing standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Oklahoma - Tigers
The CDC designates Oklahoma as a "large animal" state due to its significant population of sizable creatures.
Beyond the state's native wildlife, some residents keep exotic animals—such as tigers—as pets. When these animals aren’t adequately secured or cared for, they can escape and pose serious risks to the public.
California - Rattlesnakes
Antivenom is especially important in California, where rattlesnake encounters are relatively common—around 221 bites are reported each year.
Prompt treatment is critical, as a rattlesnake bite can be deadly if not addressed quickly. These snakes are more active in the warmer months and often seek shelter in cool, shaded spots, including underneath vehicles.
Oregon - Bees, Wasps, And Yellow Jackets
Oregonians might think twice about their surroundings once they learn just how many potentially dangerous animals call the state home. From cougars and bears to porcupines, scorpions, and even wolverines, the wildlife is impressively diverse—but surprisingly, none of these top the list when it comes to the biggest threat.
According to the CDC, Oregon's most lethal creatures are actually bees, wasps, and yellow jackets. Their stings can trigger severe allergic reactions, making them the state's deadliest animals.
Michigan - Dogs
According to the CDC, dogs are the animals most commonly linked to fatal encounters with humans in Michigan. While most are loving companions, certain situations can lead to dangerous behavior.
In one alarming case, a young girl had to be airlifted to the hospital after being attacked by a few of her family's rescue dogs. Often, dogs involved in such incidents have experienced trauma or neglect, which can contribute to unpredictable aggression.
Alabama - Dogs
Dogs are the most common house pets in the United States, but when taken into the wrong hands things can go astray.
In Alabama, dogs are ranked as the most dangerous animal because of their harmful bites. According to dog bite lawyers Martinson and Beason, there were 42 dog bite fatalities in the U.S. in 2014 and there were two specifically in Alabama in 2017.
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.
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.
South Carolina - Wasps And Hornets
Stinging insects are something to beware of and that especially applies in South Carolina. Their main threats are wasps and hornets.
These insects are extremely territorial and aggressive, especially when they are working as a cohesive unit. One sting can send someone who's allergic into anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.
Utah - Deer
Utah boasts a rich variety of wildlife, but its most dangerous encounters usually involve larger mammals. Among these are black bears, cougars, coyotes, stray dogs, and even deer.
Although deer typically avoid people unless frightened or hit by cars, Utah's deer are known for their toughness. Remarkably, some have even been reported to resist and fight back against hunters.
Colorado - Cougars
The CDC wasn't able to find too many instances of dangerous animals in Colorado even though there's a wide array of wild creatures in the area.
Although, one Colorado animal that can be difficult to get away from is a cougar. Cougar attacks are most common on hiking trails, but only two fatalities have been reported over the last century.
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.
Kentucky - Domestic Cattle
In Kentucky, it's not wild predators that pose the biggest threat, but domestic cattle—especially cows and bulls.
According to the CDC, most injuries and deaths linked to these animals result from blunt force trauma, typically to the head or chest. Such accidents often occur when people enter enclosed spaces with the animals, with older men over 65 being the most frequently affected group.
Missouri - Venomous Snakes
According to the CDC, Missouri ranks second in the nation for being the most commonplace someone will perish from a large reptile attack.
This comes down to their 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.
Maryland - Bees
Stinging, flying insects such as bees are the most common animal threat to Maryland residents. One bee doesn't usually cause any problems, but swarms are a different story.
Bee stings can cause afflicted people to go into anaphylactic shock and either get seriously injured or worse. For example, a student in Maryland kicked a beehive, which caused him and those around him to be stung and taken to the hospital.
Indiana - Deer
There are several states in the U.S. where deer are actually the most dangerous. Indiana has a huge problem with them.
Not only are many deer struck by vehicles, but those collisions actually can end the lives of humans as well. The CDC found that in just 2016 alone there were over 14,000 "deer-involved car accidents."
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.
Georgia - Venomous Snakes
Some species of snakes to look out for in Georgia include Copperheads, Cottonmouths, Coral snakes, Timber Pygmies, and Eastern Diamondbacks.
According to the Georgia Poison Control Center, snake bites increased by a whopping 40 percent in 2017 and have been increasing every year since. Since winters are shorter and warmer, more snakes are coming out.
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.
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.
From 1999 to 2016 there were a total of 26 fatal dog attacks in the state. This is usually because the dogs were mistreated when they were younger.
Washington - Coyotes
There are several potentially harmful animals in the Washington area. Large mammals such as elk, deer, cougars, bears, and coyotes can pose a massive threat.
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 have a fear of 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.
New Jersey - Coyotes
The CDC was unable to find enough data to support which animal is the most dangerous in New Jersey, but they did notice a trend.
Coyotes have been increasing in population throughout the state. They have been migrating east with a population that has grown from 100 to three thousand within the last four years.
Connecticut - Bobcats
While Connecticut is considered one of the safest states in the nation, it's still home to some impressive wildlife. Bobcat sightings have become more frequent in recent years, though most don’t pose a threat.
Normally shy and wary of humans, bobcats can become aggressive if they contract rabies. When this happens, they may display dangerous behavior and present a serious risk to people.
North Carolina - Fire Ants
While fire ants are tiny, they come with a powerful bite. Not only is their bit incredibly painful, but it can send people into shock. 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.
Ohio - Dogs
Since dogs are so common throughout the United States, they tend to be considered one of the most lethal animals in the country, including Ohio.
The CDC reported that the majority of dog bites are towards infants and children. This could be for a number of reasons, but untrained dogs may bite due to fear or pain.
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.
Pennsylvania - Dogs
The CDC lists dogs as the animal most likely to cause a human fatality in Pennsylvania. There are several reasons why a dog may exhibit aggressive behavior.
They may be acting defensive, they could be guarding something such as food or a toy, or they may be scared of other humans.
New York - Dogs
Many dog owners live in New York, but it's also an area where there is a large number of dog attacks. Luckily, only a fraction of them has been fatal.
These dogs are either ill, frustrated, trying to show their dominance, scared, or possessive. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, seek a professional before they act out.
Texas - Fire Ants
According to the CDC, Texas is experiencing a massive fire ant problem. People who are allergic to their venom are at the most risk because they can go into anaphylactic shock.
Fire ants have the capability of floating on water, so they can survive worldwide catastrophes such as hurricanes and tsunamis.
