The release of a new report has shed light on the animals most likely to kill people in each U.S. state, revealing a diverse mix of creatures that pose a threat to human safety.
The report identified snakes as the single largest category nationwide, with several species of rattlesnakes topping the list in multiple regions. In Georgia, residents should be most cautious of the pygmy rattlesnake, while Oklahoma's biggest snake threat is the western pygmy rattlesnake.
Other states with rattlesnakes dominating state hazards include Connecticut and Kansas, where Timber rattlesnakes claimed the top spot, and California, where Southern Pacific rattlesnakes pose the biggest threat. In Arizona, the western diamondback rattlesnake is the deadliest species.
Non-rattlesnake species also rank as the deadliest animals in their respective states. In Louisiana, the eastern diamondback snake is the top threat, while in Mississippi, it is the cottonmouth snake. In Indiana, the eastern copperhead leads, and in South Carolina, the southern copperhead poses the greatest risk.
Beyond reptiles, several states face risks from insects and other venomous creatures. In Iowa, wasps top the list, while in Missouri, ticks take the lead. Mosquitoes pose the highest danger in New York, and black widow spiders are the main concern in Alabama and Nebraska.
Some states should also be cautious around coastal waters, according to the report. In Rhode Island, tiger sharks rank as the deadliest animal, while in Maryland and Virginia, bull sharks pose the greatest threat. A jellyfish-like marine creature, the Portuguese man o' war, is listed as the biggest danger in Delaware and North Carolina.
Experts note that while the sting of the Portuguese man o' war can be deadly in rare cases, it more commonly causes painful welts and skin irritation. Alligators also rank as the deadliest animal in Florida and Texas, with the American alligator specifically topping Florida's list.
Large mammals also appear prominently throughout the report. In Tennessee and Wisconsin, black bears rank as the deadliest animals, while in Oregon, North American black bears pose the greatest threat. In Kentucky and Massachusetts, American black bears top the list.
In contrast, New Mexico's deadliest animal is the mountain lion, while in Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, moose are listed as the greatest risk. Grizzly bears also top the list in Idaho, Montana, and Washington, and bison pose the greatest danger in South Dakota and Wyoming.
Whitetail deer were also identified as the deadliest animals in Arkansas, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. In Alaska, despite commonly being household pets, dogs are listed as the state's most concerning animal. Similarly, coyotes rank as the biggest threat in Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Utah.
Overall, snakes dominate the threat landscape, topping the list in 14 states, while bears threaten eight states, and deer and other large ungulates account for 10 states. Canines, including dogs and coyotes, rank as the deadliest animals in five states, and biting and stinging arthropods, such as wasps, mosquitoes, and spiders, account for five states as well.
Marine hazards also account for five states, highlighting the importance of awareness and caution in diverse environments.
