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What's Trending in Mid-Michigan

What’s the Most Dangerous Animal in Your State? The Answers Might Surprise You

 

 

 

Everyone has at least one animal that gives them the creeps. For some, it's spiders or snakes. Others worry about sharks or bears. But depending on where you live, your biggest wildlife concern may be something much more common.

The website World Population Review recently ranked the most dangerous animal in every state, based on the wildlife people are most likely to encounter and the potential danger they pose.

Here are some of the more interesting results:

Coyotes Top the List in Four States

Coyotes were ranked as the most dangerous animal in:

  • Illinois

  • Minnesota

  • New Jersey

  • Utah

Moose Can Be More Dangerous Than You Think

Despite their calm appearance, moose can be extremely aggressive, especially during mating season or when protecting their young. They're considered the most dangerous animal in:

  • Colorado

  • Maine

  • New Hampshire

  • Vermont

Deer Make the List Too

Whitetail deer were ranked as the most dangerous animal in:

  • Pennsylvania

  • Arkansas

  • Ohio

  • West Virginia

While deer aren't typically aggressive, they cause thousands of vehicle accidents every year, making them a major safety hazard.

Bears Are Still a Big Concern

Several different bear species topped the list depending on the state:

American Black Bear

  • Kentucky

  • Massachusetts

Black Bear

  • Tennessee

  • Wisconsin

Grizzly Bear

  • Idaho

  • Montana

  • Washington

North American Black Bear

  • Oregon

Snakes Dominate the Rankings

Venomous snakes were the most common animals to appear on the list.

Some examples include:

  • Cottonmouth: Mississippi

  • Eastern Copperhead: Indiana

  • Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake: Louisiana

  • Eastern Massasauga: Michigan

  • Mojave Rattlesnake: Nevada

  • Prairie Rattlesnake: North Dakota

  • Pygmy Rattlesnake: Georgia

  • Southern Copperhead: South Carolina

  • Southern Pacific Rattlesnake: California

  • Timber Rattlesnake: Connecticut and Kansas

  • Western Diamondback Rattlesnake: Arizona

  • Western Pygmy Rattlesnake: Oklahoma

  • Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake: Hawaii

A Few Unexpected Winners

Not every state's most dangerous animal was a wild predator.

  • Alaska: Dogs

  • New York: Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes may seem harmless, but they can spread diseases, while dog attacks account for thousands of injuries each year.

What About Michigan?

For Michigan residents, the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake earned the top spot. Fortunately, it's a shy species that usually avoids people, and bites are extremely rare. If you happen to see one while hiking, wildlife experts recommend giving it plenty of space and letting it move away on its own.