Animal encounters can be thrilling, but in some U.S. states, they turn deadly more often than you’d expect. This article uncovers the 10 states with the deadliest animal attacks, based on 20 years of CDC data analyzed by Outforia.
From venomous snakes in Georgia to aggressive alligators in Florida, these states report the highest number of fatalities caused by wild or native animals.
Whether you’re a resident or planning a visit, understanding the wildlife risks in these areas could save your life. Discover which states top the list and what makes their animal threats so dangerous to humans.
1: Texas
Texas ranks as the state with the most animal-caused human deaths in the country. Over a 20-year period, specifically between 1999 and 2019, Texas recorded a staggering 520 human fatalities due to animal encounters.
This high number is attributed to the presence of several dangerous animals that call Texas home. Among these deadly creatures are black widow spiders, water moccasin snakes, alligators, and sharks.
The data for this analysis was compiled by Outforia, which thoroughly examined Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, focusing on some of North America’s most dangerous predators.
2: California
California holds the unfortunate distinction of being the second most dangerous state for deadly animal encounters.
During the 20-year period from 1999 to 2019, there were 299 human fatalities attributed to animals in California.
A significant contributor to these incidents are snakes, as six different rattlesnake species are known to live in California.
According to Animal Capture Wildlife Control, all of these rattlesnake species are venomous. The analysis by Outforia, using CDC data, helped determine these figures by looking at fatal attacks on humans.
3: Florida
Florida is among the top three deadliest states for animal encounters, which may not be surprising to its residents given past headlines, such as a 2-year-old boy passing away from an alligator attack at Disney World.
Between 1999 and 2019, nearly 250 people died from animal-related incidents in Florida. While sharks are often feared, statistically, a person is more likely to die driving to the beach than swimming in it.
Alligators pose a more direct threat in Florida, with 401 unprovoked alligator attacks occurring between 1948 and 2021, 25 of which were fatal.
Feeding alligators is illegal in Florida because it can cause them to associate humans with food, potentially leading to attacks.
4: North Carolina
North Carolina’s diverse geography, ranging from the ocean to the mountains, provides habitats for enough dangerous animals to place it on this list.
Over a 20-year period, specifically between 1999 and 2019, there were 180 human deaths attributed to animal encounters in the Tar Heel State.
Some of the deadly animals contributing to these fatalities include copperhead snakes, black bears, and brown recluse spiders.
These figures were derived from an analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, focusing on the number of fatal attacks on humans by animals.
5: Tennessee
Tennessee is very close to North Carolina in terms of animal-related fatalities, registering 170 lives lost due to animals between 1999 and 2019. This state is home to four venomous snakes, with timber rattlesnakes being one of them.
A bite from a timber rattlesnake can cause significant symptoms, including the constriction of breathing due to swelling in the throat and mouth, nausea, and a plethora of other symptoms.
These numbers were determined by Outforia’s analysis of CDC data, which looked at fatal animal attacks on humans.
6: Georgia
In Georgia, venomous snakes are among the most dangerous animals, significantly contributing to the 161 human lives lost over a 20-year period from 1999 to 2019.
Specifically, Diamondback and Copperhead snakes are highlighted as some of the most dangerous species in the state.
To reduce the chance of their venom reaching the skin when walking in forested areas, it is recommended to wear boots and long pants.
Georgia shares the same number of fatalities as Ohio, both having 161 animal-related human deaths during the studied period.
7: Ohio
Ohio reported 161 animal-related human fatalities between 1999 and 2019, tying with Georgia for the number of deaths.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Northern Copperhead is the most venomous snake species found in Ohio.
Additionally, while black bears were once temporarily extinct in Ohio, their population is now increasing. These bears can pose life-threatening situations if they are provoked.
The data for these fatalities was collected and analyzed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
8: Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania experienced 148 human deaths due to animal encounters during the 20-year period from 1999 to 2019 studied by the CDC.
While people often think of larger animals when considering fatal attacks, even small insects can be deadly.
For example, deer ticks can carry the Powassan virus, which can enter a human within just 15 minutes of a bite.
The Powassan virus is particularly concerning as it has a 12% mortality rate, highlighting that not all dangerous animals are large predators.
9: Michigan
Michigan is home to various deadly animals, from gray wolves to widow spiders, which pose risks regardless of the season.
Between 1999 and 2019, a total of 138 people lost their lives due to animals in the Great Lake State. This places Michigan among the top 10 states with the highest number of animal-caused human fatalities.
The data reflects a comprehensive look into fatal animal attacks on humans across the United States over two decades, as compiled by Outforia using CDC data.
10: New York
While it’s unlikely to die from an animal attack in New York City, Upstate New York’s extensive wilderness provides habitats for various dangerous animals.
These include timber rattlesnakes, wolves, and bees. Approximately 100 Americans die annually from bee stings, often due to anaphylactic shock resulting from an allergic reaction.
This makes bee stings a notable cause of animal-related fatalities in states like New York, where these insects are prevalent.
The information regarding animal fatalities was gathered from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, spanning a 20-year period.
Alicia Richards