On average, wildlife causes hundreds of deaths annually. Behind many of these deaths, are stories of adventures gone wrong.
Where are these encounters likely to happen? Let’s check out the 10 most dangerous wildlife hotspots in the United States and find out!
1. Texas
Wildlife Risks: Coyotes, big cats, Portuguese man o’ wars, brown recluses, and snakes
The Lone Star State presents a real danger to unwary visitors, with an average of 26 animal-related fatalities yearly.
Just this year, I’ve been following reports of a particularly bold coyote in Arlington that caused quite a stir and attacked three kids in the same week before the park closure.
Add to that the occasional encounter with hogs and mountain lion sightings, and you’ve got a state where common sense and vigilance are essential companions for any outdoor adventure.
Even a walk on the beach can be dangerous, now that deadly Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish started washing up on the shores of Galveston Island State Park.
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2. Florida
Wildlife Risks: Sharks, alligators, and crocodiles
The Sunshine State’s wildlife scene is nothing short of extraordinary (and sometimes extraordinarily dangerous).
For one, Volusia County was crowned the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.” Some experts say that anyone who has swam around New Smyrna beach has likely been within 10 feet of a shark at one point.
What’s fascinating is the locals’ casual attitude toward these encounters. When beaches close due to shark sightings, the deputy beach chief receives angry voicemail messages from disappointed beachgoers.
Oh, and one guy actually drove himself to the hospital after he was attacked by a shark.
However, sharks aren’t the only predators. The state’s waterways are home to alligators and crocodiles. In 2023, a 7-foot alligator dragged an 84-year-old dog walker into a Fort Pierce pond in a tragic incident.
So you can only imagine how a place like the Everglades would present its own set of challenges. It’s one of the few places where alligators, crocodiles, and bull sharks coexist.
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3. Montana
Wildlife Risks: Grizzlies, moose, elk, bobcats, and mountain lions.
Having hiked in the Glacier National Park myself, I can attest that the Grinnell Glacier Trail is one of the most dangerous hiking spots in America. That’s mostly because of the bear population in the area.
The park’s history of fatal attacks serves as a sobering reminder of the real danger these creatures pose. Hearing the story of the “Night of the Grizzlies” still sends chills down my spine!
All in all, there’s a 1 in 674,600 chance that you’ll die from an animal attack in Montana.
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4. Alaska
Wildlife Risks: Grizzlies, wolves, coyotes, and moose
Bears are more than just a symbol of Alaska’s state quarter. There’s a bear for every 21 Alaskans. The state is also considered a hotspot for bear attacks, with 18 recorded incidents.
Besides the notorious grizzly bears, wolves, coyotes, and moose seem to be a nuisance for tourists and locals alike.
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5. Arizona
Wildlife Risks: Snakes, elk, Arizona bark scorpion, and rock squirrels (yes, really)
The Grand Canyon State is home to 14 venomous snake species, including 13 rattlesnake species.
The western diamondback rattlesnake, one of the world’s most venomous serpents, is particularly notorious there. Locals have spotted these creatures in urban settings and even on golf courses!
But what really gets me is that the Grand Canyon National Park’s most dangerous animal is the rock squirrel.
These deceptively cute creatures are known to bite people for seemingly no reason. They aren’t shy, either. They love hanging out near gift shops and snack bars. I guess they’re waiting for unsuspecting visitors.
A slightly less surprising wildlife risk is the elk. One tourist was nearly flattened after a crowd gathered around a frightened elk for photos.
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6. California
Wildlife Risks: Sharks, bears, and mule deer
White sharks patrol Cali’s coastal waters and can attack without provocation. They did so about a hundred times before.
On land, you have the bears and the deer to worry about. Yes, I said deer. After all, bear attacks resulted in a lot of injuries but no fatalities whatsoever. Yet, one mule deer attack in the park was fatal.
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7. Wyoming
Wildlife Risks: Grizzly bears, bison, wolves, and mountain lions
Over the years, eight fatal bear attacks have occurred in Yellowstone National Park.
That said, it’s often the bison that create the most dangerous situations. That’s mostly because tourists try approaching these 2,000-pound giants for photos. And when a bison charges at 35 miles per hour, you don’t want to be anywhere near his horns!
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8. Washington
Wildlife Risks: Black bears, cougars, and moose
North Cascades National Park in Washington is very rich in wildlife. It also happens to have one of the highest visitor mortality rates among U.S. national parks. I think the park is only going to get even more dangerous with planned grizzly bear reintroductions.
Plus, the wildlife issue isn’t confined to the national park. As human activity continues expanding into natural habitats, these dangerous wildlife encounters are becoming increasingly common.
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9. North Carolina
Wildlife Risks: American alligators, black bears, and venomous insects
A study showed that most animal-related fatalities in North Carolina come from insect stings. But that’s not to say that the area doesn’t have any big scary animals to watch out for. The American alligator (up to 13 feet long) tops the list of the state’s predators.
Alligators and insects aside, North Carolina offers a real danger smorgasbord, from fox and coyote attacks to mysterious wild animal encounters.
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10. Tennessee
Wildlife Risks: Black bears, wild boars, nine-banded armadillos, cougars, and coyotes
The state’s wildlife scene got even more interesting in 2015 with three confirmed cougar sightings. Plus, there’s a decent boar population, and those bad boys can run 30 miles per hour. So if one charges towards you, forget running. Instead, find something to climb.
There’s also the nine-banded armadillo. This seemingly innocuous creature is the only mammal (besides humans) that can carry leprosy.
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Final Thoughts
These places aren’t always dangerous because of bloodthirsty beasts lurking in the shadows. Sometimes, they’re dangerous because we’ve forgotten how to be respectful guests.
The wild isn’t a petting zoo or an Instagram backdrop. Treat it with respect, keep your distance, and listen to the rangers!
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While there can be many reasons crime increases in any country, it is crucial to be aware of which cities see the most crime potential before booking a trip— especially as a solo traveller.
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While traveling is one of the greatest joys humans have, certain places need you to take extra precautions. With frequent news stories of violence, kidnappings and gang warfare, it’s hard to ignore the reality that there are dangerous places to travel to.
If you have no idea what the most dangerous cities in the world are, don’t worry — this guide’s got you covered. It’s been compiled using data from the Mexican Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice (MCPSCJ) and sources like The Economist Intelligence Unit.
Whether you’re looking at places to avoid when traveling or just want to stroke your curiosity, you’ll find some of the world’s most dangerous cities below.
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Europe is an incredibly diverse continent and has many beautiful cities. Many of those cities are perfectly set up for tourists, but some are considered more dangerous than others.
What makes a city dangerous? Is it the number of criminal reports? Natural disasters? Scams? Terrorist attacks? Generally, it’s a combination of all of those. Europe is quite lucky to be a continent full of safe and bucket list-worthy destinations. But there will always be some level of risk wherever you go.
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.