Top 10 Most Dangerous Animals in America

After the 1975 film “Jaws,” the world has really been in fear of sharks. And that is understandable. The US has sustained more recorded shark attacks over the centuries than any other nation in the world. Many of the vicious incidents have happened off the state of Florida, with Hawaii in second place. Yet even with all that, humans are still far more likely to be struck by lightning than be attacked by these marine animals. Between 1959 and 2010, lightning took 1,970 lives compared to sharks with 26. So, while sharks are fearsome, they rarely fatally threaten humans.

Whether we’re talking mountain lions, pumas, panthers, or cougars, big cats are a threatening sight with their large teeth and claws, agile movements, and silent stalking. With these weapons in its arsenal, cougars are known to attack large prey, such as elk and deer, usually ambushing their victims. And humans count as prey, even if attacks are relatively rare. In the past 100 years, there have been 126 attacks by cougars on people, 27 of which were fatal. Cougars and other big cats are not to be messed with. Many of these unfortunate incidents have historically happened to children.

Considering that the American alligator is third in the world for the highest bite force at 2,125 pounds per square inch, they aren’t to be taken lightly. Mostly found in marshes and swamps in the southern US, Florida, Louisiana, and the Carolinas are thriving locations for this reptile. So much so that since 1948, when state records began, Florida has recorded 442 unprovoked gator attacks, with 26 being fatal. Alligators often strike when a human gets too close to a body of water. Their reptilian siblings, the American crocodile, very rarely attack people. In 2014, two Floridian swimmers were given the unfortunate honor of being the first humans to get bitten by a croc.

Bears of all kinds are animals you don't want to mess with under any circumstances. After all, they are very powerful and have one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom. North America is home to three bear species: the American black bear, the grizzly bear, and the polar bear. The Northern states have the highest density of bears, Alaska in particular. Bears rarely attack people, but when they do, it’s usually mothers protecting their young. According to the National Park Service, another prime bear location, Yellowstone National Park, the risk of a grizzly attack is around 1 in 2.7 million visits, with 8 fatalities since 1872.

Sometimes, the creepy crawlies of the wildlife realm are more of a threat than the big ones. When it comes to spiders, the US has two species that cause big-time issues: the black widow and the brown recluse. Because of their size, people often accidentally stumble upon them, experiencing their wrath with a venom-filled bite. While very rare for people to perish from their venom, serious wounds and symptoms can happen, such as severe pain, vomiting, and skin ulcers. This is why medical attention is needed on suspicion of being bitten by a venomous spider. It’s estimated there are 3 fatalities per year from the bites, usually children or those with a compromised immune system.

In a country with 22 recognized species of venomous snakes, it can be a struggle to avoid them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 7000 to 8000 people are bitten by these reptiles each year, with 5 perishing as a result. And one of the most potent is the rattlesnake. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake can administer significant amounts of venom through their bite Another common attacker of people is the Copperhead. With its camouflage scales, and habit of striking when threatened, people tend to get bitten after accidentally disturbing them. And not even the water is safe from snakes, what with the potently venomous coral snake.

Cows might look sweet and kind with their gentle mooing. But deep inside, is there a darkness bubbling below the surface? After all, they take out humans each year, albeit accidentally for the most part. According to CDC data, between 2003 and 2008, there were 2,334 deaths on farms. Out of those, cows were either the primary or secondary cause of those lethal incidents in 108 cases. For those preferring equestrian hobbies to farming, horses can be just as dangerous. Between 1993 and 2004, horses were involved in the deaths of 43 people in New Mexico alone.

Man’s best friend? Not always. Millions of people are bitten by dogs every year, with up to 13,000 needing hospitalization. According to the CDC, between 2011 and 2021, there were 468 fatal attacks by dogs, making it, on average, 43 per year. As for which is the most dangerous breed, according to the World Animal Foundation, which examined data from 2010 to 2021, that would be pit bull-type breeds, which include Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Bully. Far in second place is Rottweilers. Forbes, who examined data from The Wilderness and Environmental Medicine Journal, discovered the state with the most dog fatalities was Alaska, with Idaho a distant second.

Size doesn’t matter, especially when it comes to how dangerous a creature is. According to the CDC, between 2000 and 2017, the US had 1,109 fatalities from wasp, hornet, and bee stings, making an average of 62 per year. But if you thought that was a while ago and newer data would be better, it only gets a bit worse. When they examined 2011 to 2021, there were 788 fatalities, with an average of 72 a year. Of course, a couple of years ago, Giant Asian Hornets were the big talking point. With an incredible sting and being able to attack multiple times, it’s stated that a small colony could take out a 150-pound animal.

Deer can be found all across the United States, making them a prime target for hunters… and a nightmare for drivers. According to CDC data that was analyzed in 2016, deer have taken an average of 120 human lives each year, making them one of the most dangerous mammals in the world. There have been cases in the states of deer that have taken the life of a hunter by using their sharp antlers in defense. Beyond direct attack, in 2019, Utah State University reported that there were 58,622 annual incidents involving collisions between vehicles and deer, with 440 resulting in humans perishing. So, while they look sweet, be careful on the road in the presence of the US’s biggest animal danger.

What animal do you most fear? Let us know in the comments!