In a newly released report from World Population Review, the most likely animals to cause fatalities in each U.S. state have been identified with surprising results. Large mammals like moose and unexpected threats such as dogs and jellyfish feature prominently.

Top Animal Threats by State

Snakes are the predominant danger nationwide. Certain species of rattlesnakes are notably hazardous. In Georgia, the pygmy rattlesnake poses the highest risk, whereas Oklahoma encounters dangers from the western pygmy rattlesnake.

California: The Southern Pacific rattlesnake is the greatest threat.
Arizona: The western diamondback rattlesnake holds this distinction.

Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont citizens should watch out for moose. Timber rattlesnakes are the top fears in Connecticut and Kansas.

Rattlesnakes lead the danger list in other states too:
North Dakota: Prairie rattlesnake
Nevada: Mojave rattlesnake
Michigan: Eastern massasauga

Non-Rattlesnake Threats

Even outside of rattlesnake species, other snakes pose serious threats:
Louisiana: Eastern diamondback snake
Mississippi: Cottonmouth snake

Exceptions continue with ow the eastern copperhead poses risks in Indiana, the southern copperhead in South Carolina, and Hawaii is notably wary of the yellow-bellied sea snake.

Wildlife Dangers Beyond Reptiles

Beyond reptiles, certain insects and other venomous animals are major risks:
Iowa: Wasps
Missouri: Ticks
New York: Mosquitoes
Alabama and Nebraska: Black widow spiders.

Coastal waters are dangerous in some regions. In Rhode Island, tiger sharks are feared most, whereas bull sharks are more threatening in Maryland and Virginia. The Portuguese man o’ war is a peril in Delaware and North Carolina, causing painful skin reactions.

Both Florida and Texas have deadly alligators, with the American alligator being Florida’s main threat.

Risks from Large Mammals

Black bears are greatly feared in Tennessee and Wisconsin. In Oregon, North American black bears are the main concern, while the American black bears are most feared in Kentucky and Massachusetts.

Meanwhile, mountain lions in New Mexico and moose in Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont are the most dangerous. Grizzly bears pose threats in Idaho, Montana, and Washington. Bison in South Dakota and Wyoming are hazards. Whitetail deer are seen as deadliest in Ohio, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Despite being household pets, dogs are considered the most worrying animals in Alaska, while coyotes are listed as top risks in Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Utah.

Conclusion and Statistics

Overall, snakes appear as the most dangerous animals in 14 states. Bears threaten residents of eight states, while deer and other large ungulates are deadliest in 10 states. Canines, including dogs and coyotes, rank as the deadliest in five states. Biting and stinging arthropods pose threats in five states. Marine risks also figure notably for five states.