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Texas Named The State With The Most Deaths Caused By Animal Attacks A Year

Breanna Wilson

Followed by California, and what was probably your first guess, Florida.

Outforia, an outdoor and nature resource website, has just published a list of the states where you’re most likely to be killed by an animal.

Using data from the CDC, the list covers 20 years of data, from 1999 until 2019, with Texas topping the list with 520 deaths caused by animals, for an average of 26 deaths caused by animals per year.

California comes in at second on the list with 299 deaths caused by animals over the last 20 years, and Florida with 247 deaths caused by animals.

The states ranking last with the least number of deaths caused by animals were Delaware, North Dakota, and Rhode Island, all with zero deaths caused by animals recorded over the last 20 years.

Outforia goes on to reveal that since 1970 there have been 70 fatal brown bear attacks in North America, as well as 57 fatal shark attacks, 57 fatal snake bites, and 33 fatal alligator attacks in the United States over that same period.

As fiercely territorial creatures, the brown bear can undoubtedly be classified as the deadliest creature in North America. Alongside sharks, snakes (including the rattlesnake, copperhead, and cottonmouth) are the second most deadly, with the vast majority of snake-related fatalities being attributed to rattlesnake bites.

Outforia goes on to advise what to do if you encounter a brown or black bear (two of the three species found in North America, with the addition of polar bears). When facing a black bear unexpectedly, they advise you make yourself as big as possible. Raise your arms above your head and make a lot of noise. Carrying bear spray is always recommended.

For brown bears, you are advised to do the opposite. Stay as still as possible while slowly and carefully moving as far away from the bear as you can while reaching for your bear spray. Do not make any sudden moves. Speak in a calm and quiet voice if you need to communicate with others in your group.

Outforia Editor Carl Borg says, “my main advice to anyone going on these adventures in places you might come across a wild animal is to be prepared. I would always recommend you research the most prominent animals in the area you are visiting, as different animals mean different protocols when facing an attack. Knowing the difference between a brown and black bear, for example, could save your life! When feeling threatened by a black bear, you should make yourself as big as possible, raise your arms above your head and make a lot of noise. Whereas with a brown bear, you should remain extremely calm and reach for bear spray.”

For shark attacks, which often occur with little to no warning, Outforia advises you to attack back as forcefully as possible with your hands, feet, or any other weapon you can get your hands on. Target the shark’s eyes and gills, as well as its nose.

When it comes to snake bites, always keep calm to prevent the spread of venom throughout the body. Remembering the colors and shape of the snake can be vital to identifying the correct treatment quickly and effectively. Keep the bite below heart level and clean it with warm soapy water as soon as possible, covering it with a clean, dry dressing while waiting for emergency services to arrive. It is not advised to suck out the venom, contrary to popular belief. This could make things even worse by poisoning a second person.

Read the complete list of states with the most deaths caused by animals on Outforia here.

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