It’s no secret that there are more than a few dangerous animals spanning the great nation of America. If you’re curious about these predators, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a state-by-state breakdown of wildlife-induced fatalities. Brace yourselves as we take a tour through America’s most dangerous wildlife you should be on the lookout for in each state. From coyotes to sharks, some of these may surprise you.
#1: California – Rattlesnakes
Encompassing nearly the entire West Coast of the U.S., California is a colossal state teeming with life. Due to the state’s high population density, humans and wildlife often cross paths. The CDC reports that most wildlife-related fatalities are attributed to rattlesnakes, a fact that’s not too shocking given their masterful camouflage skills. Yet, the odds of meeting your end with a rattlesnake’s fangs are quite slim, making it an intriguingly rare occurrence.
The CDC spins a chilling tale of the Golden State’s slithering menace, the rattlesnake. In a deadly game of chance, one out of every 221 unfortunate souls bitten by these venomous vipers meets a grim end. This statistic translates to a haunting annual tally of 6 to 8 lives claimed by rattlesnake bites in California—a sobering reminder of the silent danger lurking in the sun-kissed landscapes.