9 of the Most Dangerous Animals in North Carolina

When you think of dangerous animals in North Carolina, your mind probably jumps to sharks, alligators, and perhaps even bears. While we probably wouldn’t stand much of a chance up against one of these colossal predators, there are several other unassuming animals that make it higher up the list. Starting with the topmost life-threatening species, here are the 9 most dangerous animals in North Carolina.

1) White-Tailed Deer

To some, it might come as a surprise that “Bambi” is the one of the most dangerous animals in North Carolina. Those who have experienced that hair-rising panic of a deer running into the middle of the road are more likely to understand why a deer poses more of a threat than a shark. Deer-related auto accidents are the result of 130 deaths in the US every year.

See also: Dangerous Animals in Hawaii

2) Bees, Wasps, and Hornets

Weighing in at a tenth of a gram and about 14 millimeters in length, these pesky insects are responsible for the majority of direct animal-related fatalities in the US. They contain a venom that proves fatal to approximately 53 Americans every year.

See also: Dangerous Animals in Illinois 

3) Domestic Dogs

Unfortunately, man’s best friend can also be a man’s worst nightmare in the wrong situation. Domestic dogs are incredibly powerful animals with instincts and aggression which have to lead to an increased average of 31 fatalities in the United States each year. 31 FATALITIES! That’s intense. Who would have thought that domestic dogs would be some of the dangerous animals in North Carolina.

See also: Dangerous Animals in New Mexico

4) Cows

Believe it or not but cows kill an average of 20 Americans each year. That’s 20 times deadlier than sharks and alligators!

See also: Dangerous Animals in Georgia

5) Wild Boars

You don’t want to mess with these enormous piggies. Their strong jaws are capable of breaking bone and allow them to consume carcasses. Wild boars can weigh up to 500 pounds and pick up scents from 5 to 7 miles away. They are responsible for approximately 6 deaths in the states every year.

6) Venomous Snakes

North Carolina is home to 37 species of snakes; fortunately, only six of these species are venomous. When in NC, avoid these deadly serpents: Cottonmouth, Copperhead, Eastern Coral Snake, Pigmy Rattlesnake, Canebrake Rattlesnake, and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. Venomous snakes account for 5-6 deaths in the US every year.

7) Sharks!

You were probably expecting to see a shark well before a cow on our list, but despite the Hollywood portrayal of sharks, these massive creatures only account for one death in the US every year. NC is home to some of the most aggressive sharks such as Great White Sharks, Tiger Sharks, and Bull Sharks.

8) Alligators

You may have heard a few recent news stories regarding fatal alligator attacks; however, on average, alligators are accountable for one death a year. While easily capable of killing people, the alligators’ low death toll makes them comparable with sharks and our next predator.

Black Bears

Growing up, you may have cuddled with a much smaller plush version of this teddy bear. You won’t want to try cuddling up to this bear though! While humans are not on their diet, Black Bears are extremely territorial and protective and will not hesitate to attack an intruder. Bear related deaths are uncommon in North Carolina and the US in general, but an average of one death per year makes the Black Bear a highly dangerous animal in NC.