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The 10 Deadliest Animals in America Might Surprise You

Alexis Thornton

2 hours ago
Macro image of a brown recluse spider resting on rough wood. Brown recluse spiders are one of the few medically significant spider species in the United States and are commonly found in dark, undisturbed areas.
Brown recluse spiders are rarely aggressive, but their venom can cause serious medical complications in some cases. (Adobe Stock)

When most people think of dangerous wildlife in the United States, they picture bears or rattlesnakes. The reality is broader and, in some cases, more surprising. Some of the deadliest animals in the country are not predators at all. They are species you may pass every day.

1. Deer Cause More Deaths Than Predators

A white-tailed deer moves near a roadway during the evening hours, when deer collisions are most common across the United States.
Deer cause more human fatalities in the U.S. through vehicle collisions than any other wild animal. (Adobe Stock)

Deer top the list, but not because they attack. White-tailed deer are responsible for an estimated 1.5 million vehicle collisions each year in the U.S., causing roughly 200 human deaths. Risk peaks during fall rutting season and at dawn and dusk. The Federal Highway Administration publishes safety guidance on deer collisions.

2. Tiny Insects With a Deadly Impact

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dangerous animalswildlife safetywild animals usbear safetysnake bitedeer collisionsmountain lionalligator safetybee stingsoutdoor hazards

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