While the continent of North America is not the first that springs to mind when you think of deadly animals, it is home to some of the most dangerous predators in the world. As a densely populated corner of the world, it is hard to consider that the 20 deadliest animals in North America may not be too far from us.
Black Widows
As one of the most common animals we encounter, many spiders are pretty safe. However, North America is home to multiple venomous species, including black widows. Possessing the second-strongest spider venom, the tiny amount a black widow injects is enough to kill a human.
Arizona Bark Scorpions
The iconic stinger on the end of a scorpion’s tail is this animal’s weapon of choice. The most venomous species of scorpion in North America is the Arizona bark scorpion, which has an incredibly lethal sting. They are native to the Sonoran Desert and are regularly encountered across Mexico and in the U.S. states of Arizona and New Mexico.
Grizzly Bears
Brown bears, black bears, and polar bears all inhabit the North American continent, but while they are all equally dangerous, brown bears are the largest, strongest, and deadliest. According to BearVault, there have only been 82 fatalities since 1784, but 85% of all conflicts result in injury.
Wolves
Wolves are associated with danger and horror, so it is no surprise that they are one of the deadliest animals in North America. The gray wolves that call North America their home are hunters, tend to travel in packs, and like to attack in large groups. Although wolf encounters are rare, they can be fatal.
Coyotes
Coyotes are a particularly deadly animal in North America and can commonly be found in California. In the last 30 years, 160 attacks have been reported in California, and the biggest targets are small children. Coyote snatching of the under-5s is the most frequently reported.
American Bison
As the largest land animal in the USA, the American bison is a tough cookie. Weighing around 1.5 tons, when an American bison attacks, it is equated to being hit by a truck. The good thing is that they rarely attack unless provoked.
Alligators and Crocodiles
Alligators and crocodiles are most commonly associated with animal attacks in North America. These predators will hunt for their prey and take any opportunity. While the two have different methods of attacking and killing, both are just as fatal. They commonly inhabit Florida and the Caribbean.
Sharks
There is no doubt that sharks are considered to be one of the scariest creatures on the planet. All three of the deadliest man-eating sharks inhabit the waters of North America, with Business Insider reporting that Florida is renowned as the ‘shark bite capital of the world.’
Snakes
Anti-venom medication is readily available for U.S. citizens, and the reason for this is the number of venomous snakes residing in the country. Each year, 5 in 8,000 snake bites are fatal, a statistic that would be much higher if not for access to this lifesaving treatment.
Africanized Bees
Famously known as killer bees, Africanized bees have a deadly sting. When they feel even slightly threatened, killer bees will attack and can chase for up to a quarter mile. While the venom is not particularly deadly, multiple stings to someone who has an allergy to the venom can be devastating.
Cougar
Native to the North American coast, cougars are one of the fastest predators, with speeds of up to 50 mph. Although they typically avoid human contact, attacks are on the rise due to the increasing overlap in habitats. If cougars feel threatened, they can attack and kill in an instant.
Deer
Although considered relatively peaceful, deer are responsible for more deaths in the USA than any other animal. While there are certain levels of aggression in stags and protective mothers, most deer-related fatalities are due to deer-vehicle collisions. According to State Farm, U.S. drivers have a 1 in 127 chance of a deer-vehicle collision.
Black Bears
Of the three bear species found in North America, you are most likely to encounter a black bear. While the chance of running into one is high, most black bears will try to avoid you. The majority of black bear attacks are defensive when they feel threatened but are most likely lethal.
Polar Bears
Polar bears may seem cute and charming, but they are vicious. Inhabiting the extreme north of the continent, polar bears are a rare encounter. However, polar bears are more likely to attack humans than brown or black bears, with an incredibly strong bite force that is known to be fatal.
Killer Whales
Although it has been listed as a threatened species since 2003, the killer whale remains one of the greatest threats to human life in the animal world. Inhabiting a vast section of North America’s coast stretching from Alaska to Northern California, killer whales have a habit of attacking boats.
Dogs
While they may be man’s best friend, dog attacks are undoubtedly the most common animal attacks in North America. Although the majority are non-fatal, FatalDogAttacks.org found an average of 43 human fatalities from dog attacks every year. In addition, around 13,000 people require hospitalization from canine bites.
Moose
These herbivores are not renowned for attacking humans, but when they do, they are deadly. Weighing in at around 1,600 pounds with dangerous antlers, moose can become aggressive during mating season, when they can become a significant risk to humans. Found across Canada and the northern U.S. states, moose may also cause road collisions.
Canadian Bobcats
The Canadian bobcat typically shies away from human contact, but when they do attack, their sharp teeth and claws can inflict serious injury. However, the biggest threat from a Canadian bobcat is rabies. There are many rabid Canadian bobcats, and this disease can be fatal when passed to humans.
Atlantic Stingrays
Swimmers and divers beware, as North American waters are inhabited by the largest species of Atlantic stingray. This species has a highly venomous spine that inflicts painful wounds as a defense when it feels threatened. Death by stingray is rare, but there is a high rate for the critically ill.
Cows
It may be surprising, as cows are not an aggressive or vicious species, but livestock is connected to a staggering number of deaths in North America. Cows kill more people annually than the majority of animals on this list, responsible for approximately 22 human deaths per year.
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