What’s the most dangerous animal in the world? Well, if you ask me, I’d always say humans, but our article is about something else, I’m afraid. Although in most cases, the number of injured/killed wild animals via car accidents or hunting is bigger than the one representing injured/killed humans by wildlife, we can’t deny that some wild animals are serious threats to us.
Whether it is from a bite, sting, or a combat one-to-one, the chances are that the following animals will end up being winners. So, it’s best not to underestimate them because Mother Nature has a funny way of saying, “I told you so!”
Here’s a list of the most dangerous wild animals in our country:
1. Alligator
- Size: 440–770 lbs
- Range: Southeastern U.S.
- Average Deaths Per Year: < 1
2. Wolves
- Size: 82–88 lbs (average)
- Range: Mountainous and forested areas in the northern U.S.
- Average Deaths Per Year: < 1
3. Cougars
- Size: 64–220 lbs
- Range: All of U.S. (but not as common as in western and central states)
- Average Deaths Per Year: < 1
4. Coyotes
- Size: 15–44 lbs
- Range: All of U.S.
- Average Deaths Per Year: < 1
5. Spiders (especially Widows)
- Size: .5–2 inches (with legs)
- Range: Most of U.S. (but more common in southern states)
- Average Deaths Per Year: < 1
6. Scorpions
- Size: 0.5–10 inches
- Range: All of U.S.
- Average Deaths Per Year: < 1
7. Bees
- Size: < 1 inch
- Range: All of U.S.
- Average Deaths Per Year: 43–89 (including bees, hornets, and wasps)
8. Fire Ants
- Size: 1/8–1/4 inch
- Range: Most likely in South-central and the southeastern U.S.
- Average Deaths Per Year: Unknown (but probably < 1)
9. Bears
- Size: 90–500 lbs
- Range: Many parts of the U.S.
- Average Deaths Per Year: 1–2
10. Wild Boars
- Size: 99–220 lbs
- Range: some western areas, Southern U.S., and California
- Average Deaths Per Year: < 1
11. Snakes
- Size: 2–15 lbs
- Range: All of U.S., depending vastly on species
- Average Deaths Per Year: 2–3
12. Sharks
- Size: 200–2400 lbs
- Range: Coastal regions
- Average Deaths Per Year: 0–2
All good, but… “Mirror mirror on the wall,” what’s actually the most dangerous animal of all?!
Surprisingly, not a wild one!
Compared to dogs, wild animals seem to be angels in disguise. Data shows that an estimated two percent of the U.S. population is actually bitten by dogs every single year. In other words, 4.5 million people, out of which between 16–39, end up dead.
The same data says that Pitbulls and Rottweilers are the most common dog breeds responsible for the vast majority of deathly attacks.
