Deadliest animal in every US state revealed, from moose and bears to dogs

A demographic data platform has released a new report identifying the animals most likely to kill people in each U.S. state.

The 2026 report from World Population Review revealed a surprising mix of creatures topping the list, from large mammals such as moose to unexpected threats such as dogs and jellyfish.

According to the report, snakes make up the single largest category nationwide, with several species of rattlesnakes topping the list in multiple regions.

Georgia residents should be most cautious of the pygmy rattlesnake, while Oklahoma’s biggest snake threat is the western pygmy rattlesnake.

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Meanwhile, Timber rattlesnakes claimed the top spot in both Connecticut and Kansas.

Southern Pacific rattlesnakes pose the biggest threat in California, while Arizona’s deadliest species is the western diamondback rattlesnake.

Other rattlesnakes dominating state hazards include the prairie rattlesnake in North Dakota, the Mojave rattlesnake in Nevada, and the eastern massasauga in Michigan.

Several non-rattlesnake species also rank as the deadliest animals in their respective states.

Louisiana’s top threat is the eastern diamondback snake and Mississippi’s is the cottonmouth snake.

Similarly, Indiana leads with the eastern copperhead, South Carolina points to the southern copperhead, and Hawaii stands out with the yellow-bellied sea snake as its primary concern.

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Beyond reptiles, several states face risks from insects and other venomous creatures. 

Wasps top the list in Iowa, ticks take the lead in Missouri, mosquitoes pose the highest danger in New York, and black widow spiders are the main concern in Alabama and Nebraska.

A handful of states should be cautious around coastal waters, according to the report.

Tiger sharks rank as the deadliest animal in Rhode Island, while bull sharks pose the greatest threat in Maryland and Virginia.

A jellyfish-like marine creature, called the Portuguese man o’ war, is listed as the biggest danger in Delaware and North Carolina. Experts say that while its sting can be deadly in rare cases, it more commonly causes painful welts and skin irritation.

Alligators also rank as the deadliest animal in Florida and Texas, with the American alligator specifically topping Florida’s list.

Large mammals also appear prominently throughout the report, with black bears ranking as the deadliest animals in Tennessee and Wisconsin.

North American black bears pose the greatest threat in Oregon, while American black bears top the list in Kentucky and Massachusetts.

In contrast, New Mexico’s deadliest animal is the mountain lion, while moose are listed as the greatest risk in Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Grizzly bears also top the list in Idaho, Montana and Washington, and bison pose the greatest danger in South Dakota and Wyoming.

Whitetail deer were also identified as the deadliest animals in Arkansas, Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

In Alaska, despite commonly being household pets, dogs are listed as the state’s most concerning animal.

Similarly, coyotes rank as the biggest threat in Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey and Utah.

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Overall, snakes dominate the threat landscape, topping the list in 14 states, according to the report.

Bears threaten eight states, while deer and other large ungulates account for 10 states.

Canines, including dogs and coyotes, rank as the deadliest animals in five states.

Biting and stinging arthropods, such as wasps, mosquitos and spiders, account for five states.

Equally, marine hazards also account for five states.