The United States is one of the most diverse countries in the world, which means that its wildlife varies by state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) completed a study of the most dangerous animal in each state. Poisonous snakes, wild coyotes, and pesky insects are just a few of the creatures who made the list. Keep reading to discover which animal most frequently wreaks havoc in your state.
Connecticut – Bobcats
John Moore/Getty ImagesWhile 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.
Utah – Deer
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesThere’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.
Oklahoma – Tigers
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesAccording 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.
Oregon – Bees, Wasps, And Yellow Jackets
Sean Gallup/Getty ImagesOregon 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
Phil Walter/Getty ImagesKentucky’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
Raj K Raj/Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesIf 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.
Alabama – Dogs
Imgur/Wide Open CountyDogs 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.
South Carolina – Wasps And Hornets
Guillaume Souvant/AFP via Getty ImagesStinging 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.
Minnesota – Deer
Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesSimilar 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
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty ImagesAlthough 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.
Colorado – Cougars
Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty ImagesThe 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.
Maryland – Bees
Fred Tanneau/Getty ImagesStinging, 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.
Missouri – Venomous Snakes
Carl De Souza/Getty ImagesAccording 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.
Indiana – Deer
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesThere 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
Matthew Richards/PhotoPlus Magazine/Future via Getty ImagesThe 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
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty ImagesAccording 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
Mark Kolbe/Getty ImagesWhile 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
David McNew/Getty ImagesThere 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
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty ImagesEastern 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.
California – Rattlesnakes
Raphael Gaillarde/Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesAntivenom really comes in handy in California. The state has a high population of rattlesnakes with about 221 bites reported annually.
Those who are bitten need to get antivenom fast because if left untreated, the 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.
New Jersey – Coyotes
Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP via Getty ImagesThe 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.
Michigan – Dogs
Matt Cardy/Getty ImagesAccording to the CDC, the animal most likely to end the life of a human in Michigan is a dog. While many are friendly pets, some can get very violent.
For example, a young girl in Michigan had to get airlifted to the hospital after a couple of her rescue dogs attacked her at home. The dogs who attack often come from a troubled past.
North Carolina – Fire Ants
DeAgostini/Getty ImagesWhile 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.
Georgia – Venomous Snakes
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty ImagesSome 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.
Ohio – Dogs
Jamie McCarthy/Getty ImagesSince 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
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty ImagesThose 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
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesThe 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
Simon Lees/PhotoPlus Magazine/Future via Getty ImagesMany 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.
Florida – Mosquitos
Jack Leonard/New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board/Getty ImagesWhile some may think that alligators are the most dangerous creature in Florida, mosquitos actually top the list. 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 take extra precautions including wearing bug spray, using mosquito nets, and eliminating areas with standing water.
Texas – Fire Ants
Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesAccording 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.
