5 Of The Most Dangerous Animals in Illinois

With such vast and varying landscapes, it is only to be expected that Illinois would be home to a number of dangerous predators. Some of these dangerous animals on the list, are not animals, after all, they are bugs! That’s right, over half of the list is made up of tiny terrors. Now don’t be too scared from the headline alone, because many of these animals are fairly rare and also are not widely found throughout all of Illinois.

Illinois has its fair share of interesting and diverse wildlife. Some of these Illinois animals are harmful – even deadly!

1. Timber Rattlesnake

The timber rattlesnake is an intimidating looking snake with a large, wide head and bright colored body with black spots. This rattlesnake lives in the deep woods of Southern Illinois, especially near rocks and cliffs. Although the timber rattlesnake is poisonous and dangerous, they are not known to be overly aggressive when left alone. If you ever have the bad luck of seeing one of these in the wild, simply get out of that area right away to avoid any bother from the snake.

2. Striped Bark Scorpion

The striped bark scorpion is an unfortunately common scorpion found in the midwestern United States as well as all the way to Mexico. It is light brown and easily blends into its surroundings. Just as its name might imply, the striped bark scorpion is commonly found near trees and wooded areas. If you are unlucky enough to come in contact with one and it stings you, then seek medical care right away as this scorpion’s venom can be dangerous if not taken care of properly.

3. Black Widow Spider

The black widow spider is a commonly known predator with its distinctive black color with a bold, iconic red spot on its abdomen. The black widow spider can be found in areas of Southern Illinois. Although not extremely common, if you ever come across one of these in your home you will want to take precautions, as these are one of the most venomous spiders in the United States. Those that are unfortunate enough to be bitten by one will then need to seek medical care right away.

4. Mountain Lion

Some deny that mountain lions reside in Illinois but some have had dangerous encounters with them. Mountain lions can be dangerous because of their size alone. One swing of a paw can be a huge threat to humans. For the most part, you would have to be in a more secluded area to meet one of these big cats in the wild. No need to worry about coming face to face with a mountain lion on your way to the local mall.

5. Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider is a commonly found venomous spider inhabiting Southern Illinois. Although these predators are pretty tiny at less than two centimeters, they are also one of two species of spiders with medically significant venom. The brown recluse gets its name because it tends to hide away from humans. They prefer to hide under porches as well as in deep closets. The brown recluse resides throughout half of the state of Illinois.