With animals, danger takes on many forms. How dangerous they are also depends on a number of factors such as environment, populations and a simple case of 'wrong place, wrong time'. Whether you're swimming in the corals, hiking in bear-infested woods or simply relaxing in a rocking chair on your front porch, danger lurks everywhere. As one-on-one encounters with certain animals would put them much higher or lower on this list, we took into account the probability of such confrontations.
Based on official stats that include frequency and likelihood of painful attacks as well as fatalities, we've ranked America's 20 most dangerous animals...
One of the great, calming spectacles of the marine world is a stingray gliding elegantly through crystal blue waters. There is a dark side, however. We all know what happened to the late Steve Irwin (Australian wildlife expert and TV presenter) but one doesn't need to be actively seeking out these flat floating wonders to become a surprised victim. It is true that swimming too close could threaten one, but most accidents are caused by a clumsily-placed foot on the seabed. A whopping average of around 2,000 stings are reported each year, but rarely do they cause fatalities. Should you step on one, the literal 'backlash' with the tail and its poisoned barb can cause severe pain and could lead to other issues, even seizures, so it is important to seek medical attention should anything happen.
While not having anywhere near the numbers of deadly species that are in abundance in Australia, the US still has arachnids not to be reckoned with. Mostly found in the south and southwest, (in drainpipes, under logs and in dark places) the black widow is reported to have a venom 15 times more powerful than a rattlesnake's, and a sting from these eight-legged terrors can cause sickness, cramps and muscle problems. Although 2,500 people are reportedly bitten in the US each year, thankfully no deaths have been recorded since 1983, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
Along with the great white, tiger sharks are responsible for the most shark attacks on humans. While great whites have attacked more people, tiger sharks are the most common cause of attacks in Hawaii and Florida. Three to four attacks occur per year in the Aloha State. It's true that these stats can be somewhat skewed, as many attacks go unreported. Known for their aggressive nature, tiger sharks will attack anything – that's any 'thing' – bottles, metals and even drum kits have been found in the bellies of these 'garbage cans of the sea'.
The most commonly seen scorpion in the Grand Canyon and the most venomous in North America, it's best to steer clear of this arthropod. Can it kill you? Well, yes, it can but it's rare – since 1968, two people have reportedly died as a result of a sting. What's more likely is pain, nausea and even convulsions, as the thousands of people who are stung each year can testify. The elderly and young are most at risk. They're typically outdoor creatures but can venture indoors if following prey or escaping scorching temperatures.
Nature's ultimate killing machine. The jaws of death and the soulless black eyes indicate an animal with no compassion and zero mercy. An apex predator that everything steers clear of. That said, encounters with humans are very rare and although any meeting will inevitably end in tears (of both the ripped and watery definitions), unless you're swimming in shark infested waters and not heeding any warnings, then you're pretty safe. Out of the 69 unprovoked shark attacks in 2023, 36 were in the US, two proving fatal. Although attacks from great whites and also tiger sharks can happen off the coasts of Hawaii, California and even along the east coast, the majority (16) were in Florida.
The echoes of these wild dogs can be an eerie experience when out in the great outdoors. If camping, the loud howls piercing the nocturnal wilderness can make childhood nightmares deriving from beastly fables become a sudden reality. In the past 60 years, there have been around 160 attacks with two of those being fatal. Therefore encounter a coyote at the wrong moment, and the imbecile from cartoon Road Runner might no longer be on your list of jibes.
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One of the most magnificent animals on the planet, we can surely all agree, is the polar bear. Despite their awesome appearance, and even kind faces, this is arguably one of the most dangerous animals you could hope to meet. These hyper-carnivorous bears see humans directly as a food source. A 2017 study published in Wildlife Society Bulletin revealed there were 73 confirmed polar bear attacks, 20 of which were fatal, between 1870 and 2014. However, like many other animals on this list, attacks and fatalities are rare due to the remote Alaskan wilderness they call home.
Also known as mountain lions, panthers and pumas, this is one wild kitty-kat that shouldn't be messed with. One of the most powerful predators out in the wild, it is the largest wildcat in North America. Cougars prefer to live in wooded areas and attacks tend to be opportunistic. Although fatalities are extremely rare (around 30 ever recorded), the likes of joggers, hikers and small children in particular need to be wary.
If you're thinking that this animal has the same behavioral traits as Pumbaa from The Lion King, think again. These dangerous feral hogs have taken over many US states and as well as being responsible for agricultural and environmental damage, they certainly pose a threat to humans. Road accidents are aplenty as you might guess, but their aggression when they feel threatened can be of no surprise; there have been a lot of injuries and fatalities. According to the US Department of Agriculture, 172 deaths have occurred as a result of attacks in the past two and a half decades. We need to exercise more caution than we might think during any ramble in the woods.
Like a bull on steroids when provoked, you really don't want a bison charging at you. There are numerous injuries by these mighty beasts throughout the country, and in Yellowstone National Park, bison are responsible for more attacks than any other animal (25 between 2000-2015 alone according to NPS). Peaceful and docile they might seem, grazing away in a field, but a wander into their territory during rearing season will have them behaving like, well, a bull in a china shop... At this point you might wish it was a bull, as the size of this thing is akin to a modern day woolly mammoth.
Statistically, this animal kills more people than any other on the planet, with over one million deaths per year. These fatalities tend to be in less developed countries of course, where medicine isn't as readily available. The US isn't without its issues with these nuisance insects however, and there are plenty of illnesses (dengue fever, Nile disease and so on) spread by this germ-carrying species. According to Vector Disease Control International, there were 79 deaths attributed to mosquito diseases in 2022 in America. Particularly in more humid climates such as Florida's, mosquitoes need to be taken seriously.
Native to South America, the red imported fire ant was accidentally introduced to the United States, via cargo and other similar logistical mishaps. These ants are among the most aggressive around and will attack humans and pets if they are disturbed. With repeated stings, an entire army of these invaders can inflict serious pain on an adult human, and in some cases, even worse. In fact, red fire ants have been responsible for 80 deaths in the US alone, where an estimated 14 million people are stung each year.
Emblematic to the states of Florida and Louisiana, alligators have coexisted with humans in these areas for a long time. Mostly without problems. However, due to the ever increasing tourism and expanding population, inevitably sometimes, issues arise. These apex predators are not likely to attack unprovoked, but wander aimlessly into the swamps of the Everglades without knowledge or vigilance and trouble could ensue. Between 1948 and 2021, there have been 442 unprovoked bite incidents in the country, 26 of which were fatal, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Magnificent animals, but let's be honest, most of us do not want to encounter a bear during a camping trip or hiking expedition. Thankfully, attacks are quite rare but we should 'bear' in mind that grizzlies are the most aggressive types and extra precaution is needed. Whistles, bells and sprays are the obvious necessities but also it is imperative not to discard any food, which may attract unwanted attention. There are typically 30-40 attacks per year in North America, resulting in two to three fatalities.
Moose are best admired from afar, or better still, hanging opposite a chandelier in a stately home. While we'd never advocate hunting these majestic creatures, we aren't kidding when advising caution if in and around their vicinity. Like deer, moose can and do cause collisions on country roads. In fact, moose are responsible for 2.1 million car crashes across the US every year, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. Due to their higher population, moose pose a bigger threat to humans than bears. They outright attack around five to 10 people every year in Alaska, leaving three to four hospitalised. In May 2024, an Alaskan man was killed by a moose that suddenly charged at him while he took photographs of its two calves.
Around 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes every year in the US. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, 10 to 15 prove fatal. If you get bitten by one, you need to seek medical attention. And quick. As for rattlesnakes, up to 50% of bite victims can have lasting effects – damaged tissues, nerves and in worse cases, amputation. Most of these hissing vipers can be found in the states of Arizona, Texas, among the mountains, deserts and prairies. They will sound their rattle if threatened, but not always, so one must exercise caution and also, preparation.
A shock inclusion perhaps, but we include horses, cows and even goats here. Some of us might know that a well-aimed kick from a horse could do damage, but a cow? Well all it takes is a wrong turn down a country lane, at the wrong time (a protective mother, for example) and you could have an entire herd on top of you like several tonnes of bricks. Then there are the obvious interactions with farmers. It happens more frequently than you might think, and in terms of stats, (on average, 20 deaths per year) probably deserve their place high on the list.
Gram for gram, probably the deadliest creature around. Many people are stung by hornets each year, some with very serious consequences. Injuries and even fatalities are mainly caused by allergic reactions, anaphylactic shock and so on. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hornets are responsible for an average of 72 deaths per year. In some cases, these wings of terror will even chase down a victim to sting them over and over. There are several types, the yellow back being the most prominent. Dangerous as they are, recently, the authorities have been alerted to something far worse. Deadly swarms of Asian murder hornets have been spotted in America – presumed to have been accidentally imported on cargo ships.
Yes, even man's best friend can sometimes turn rogue. While we all love these loyal pets, we've probably all been attacked by a dog at some point and, more than likely, unprovoked. And that's just the postmen. It should be of no surprise therefore that Fido and friends are responsible for more injuries than any other animal. Over 4.5 million people are bitten every year by dogs in the US, with 100 proving fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From fearsome pit bulls to snarling alsatians, venture into an unknown canine territory at your own risk.
What on earth is a deer doing on this list, yet alone being at the top – we hear you ask? No, we're not joking, Bambi and friends are responsible for far more injuries and fatalities than any predator or savage carnivore. A 2022 study in the journal Cell Biology revealed they account for 59,000 injuries, resulting in 440 deaths annually in the US alone. Astonishing stats, but as you might have guessed, most accidents and even fatalities are caused by collisions with vehicles, just like moose. However, direct attacks on humans, although rare, do happen (especially during mating season).
Now check out the world's deadliest beasts of all time, ranked