When we think about dangerous creatures, the most common ones that come to mind are predators, venomous animals, or terrifying critters. Dangerous creatures might be much closer than you imagine, which can be unsettling.
1. Sharks
Despite their fearsome reputation, shark attacks are rare. Only about 16 incidents occur annually in the United States, resulting in a fatality approximately every two years. The most dangerous shark species in U.S. waters include the Great White Shark, known for its powerful bite and frequent attacks, and the Bull Shark, which is aggressive and can thrive in salt and freshwater environments. While these attacks may be quite rare, they are quite devastating.
2. Alligators
Alligators can be pretty intimidating, growing up to lengths of 9 to 16.5 feet. From 1948 to 2004, the U.S. saw 376 reported alligator injuries and 15 fatalities. While the fatality rates are notably higher than those of sharks, there is only around one death annually caused by gators. The summer months, particularly June, are the deadliest for alligator attacks, with most incidents occurring between May and August.
3. Mountain Lions
Since 1868, there have been about 29 documented fatal mountain lion attacks in North America, averaging less than one per year. In recent years, California has seen a notable number of incidents, with four fatalities and several non-fatal attacks reported. The increasing frequency of encounters is partly due to habitat encroachment and the growing human presence in wild areas. While these attacks are rare, they can be devastating and cause concern for people heading into their territory.
4. Wolves
Most wolf attacks have happened in areas where human and wolf habitats overlap, such as Alaska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Although rare, these attacks can be highly deadly. Most wolf attacks are either due to rabies or involve habituated wolves that have lost their fear of humans.
5. Coyotes
Coyotes might be small compared to most of these animals, but that doesn’t make them any less deadly. While fatalities are extremely rare, with only two recorded deaths, coyote attacks can lead to serious injuries, especially among more vulnerable children. Most of these attacks happen from March to August during their breeding and pup-rearing season.
6. Bears
Between 2000 and 2017, there were 48 fatal bear attacks in North America, 25 of which were attributed to black bears and 21 to brown bears. Alaska has the highest concentration of bear attacks, accounting for nearly 30% of all fatal incidents in the U.S. during that period. While they might not seem like a lot, the chances are never impossible. The risk of being attacked by a bear is estimated at about 1 in 2.1 million, but that doesn’t make them any less deadly.
7. Venomous Snakes
Snakes can be terrifying for most people, and coming across a venomous one is even worse. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is often regarded as the deadliest snake in the U.S. due to its aggressive nature and high venom yield, causing more fatalities than any other snake species in the country. Snakebite fatalities are rare, with only about five deaths annually from the 7,000 to 8,000 venomous bites reported each year.
8. Black Widow and Recluse Spiders
Many people are terrified of spiders, but these two critters are something to look out for. While they don’t often cause fatalities, they are pretty deadly and not something to be messed with. A bite from a black widow spider releases a neurotoxin that can cause severe pain, muscle aches, and nausea. The bite from a recluse spider causes necrotic lesions that may take months to heal and, in rare cases, lead to serious complications. Despite their dangers, both spiders are generally not aggressive and only bite when threatened or trapped.
9. Hornets, Bees, and Wasps
These flying critters can be quite deadly, especially for people suffering from allergic reactions. Each year, about 72 people die from bee and hornet stings in the U.S. Despite the eradication of the “murder hornet” from the U.S. in 2024, other species like yellowjackets and wasps continue to pose a risk, especially to those with allergies.
10. Horses, Cows, and Farm Animals
These aren’t typical creatures seen as dangerous, but they can be pretty deadly. Farm animals collectively account for a significant portion of animal-related fatalities in the U.S., with over 576 deaths attributed to them between specific periods, making them a leading cause of animal-related deaths. Horses and cows are the two top contenders for causing fatalities.
11. Deer
Deer are incredibly dangerous, not due to any aggressive nature they might have, but because of deer-vehicle collisions. Each year, approximately 2.1 million such collisions occur, resulting in about 59,000 human injuries and 440 fatalities. These accidents are most common in autumn, particularly in November, when deer are more active during mating season. In West Virginia, you have a one-in-40 chance of hitting a deer. Deers are responsible for more human deaths than other wildlife species combined, even if it’s unintentional and a joint effort.
12. Dogs
Dogs are man’s best friend, but they can be deadly if they want to be. The risk of serious injury from dog bites is substantial, with around 4.5 million Americans being bitten annually, with an average of 30 to 50 fatalities occurring each year due to dog attacks. The most common victims of dog attacks are children between the ages of one and four because of how vulnerable they are. Pit bulls are responsible for a significant portion of these fatalities, accounting for approximately 65.6% of fatal dog attacks. Dogs can be caring, loving companions, but irresponsible ownership can have deadly consequences.
13. Humans
Ironically, the deadliest creature in the U.S. is not an animal but humans themselves. In contrast to the relatively low number of fatalities caused by wildlife, human-on-human violence results in a staggering number of deaths annually. For instance, in 2020 alone, there were over 20,000 homicides in the U.S. We are our own worst fear, and no animal can come close to how people treat each other.
