Iowa is one of the most popular tourist destinations Americas and it is bordered by Sioux and Missouri river to the west and the Mississippi River to the eastern part of the state. Iowa is bordered by other six states and this makes it one of the regions that people often visit because of the things to do and what you can see in the region. It is imperative to understand when visiting the state of Iowa is that you will have a time of your life. The state is known as the ideal location with an economy based on agriculture in the 20th century. However, it went ahead and diversified its economy to incorporate other features such as financial services, processing, manufacturing, and information technology. This has transformed the state into one of the best places that you can visit in the country.

The state of Iowa is the 26th largest state and the capital Des Moines is an area that you should visit because the nightlife is buzzing and you will find charming people who will help you explore different parts of the state. There is a wide array of fun activities that you can do while in Iowa ranging from the national Mississippi river museum and the aquarium which allows you to learn more and explore more about the state. There are amazing sceneries in the state and you are sure that you will enjoy your time in the state. Some of the places that you should not miss visiting during your exploration include the bridges in Madison County and there is so much that you can explore in this part of the country. Whether it is your first time visiting the state or you are a returning visitor then you are guaranteed the ultimate fun when in Iowa. However, with all these fun activities that you are going to engage in the state, there are different dangerous animals that you should watch out for in this state.

Black bears

The black bears are animals that are thriving in Midwest. When you are exploring the state of Iowa then there is a high chance that you will encounter one of these creatures. However, you can also see black bears as one of the dangerous animals in Kentucky and threatening ones Colorado in the United States. They are very huge creatures that can grow up to 6 feet tall when standing and weigh up to 300 pounds. Since they are very strong and agile they can attack you viciously.

It is imperative that you should avoid areas that are inhabited by black bears because they can cause severe injuries. You will find them in different parts of the state and you should watch out for them. Ideally, these creatures are docile and they are hiding, however, when they are hungry they can attack you. It is imperative that you avoid them. If the black bears attack you, then you should seek immediate medical advice.

Pelecinid Wasp

Pelecinid Wasp in Iowa

This is one of the most dangerous creatures that you will encounter while in Iowa. The pelecinid was is a very dangerous creature because it will give you one of the most painful stings that you have ever experienced. These wasps usually feed on roots and it is a major danger to crops and grass. The peniculid wasp will lay eggs on the white grubs which are hidden in the soil. Once the larva hatches it burrows itself inside the solid and begins to consume the plants hence it is a menacing creature.

During the process of interacting with the soil, these larvae usually form parasites on the beetle larva. They are known for very dangerous stings and you should be careful when exploring the state. Some of the side effects of the venom from the sting include swelling, rising heartbeat, and confusion. If this wasp stings you, then you should seek immediate medical attention.

Eastern Massasauga

This is another species of the snakes that you are likely to encounter on your travel to the state of Iowa. This snake grows up to around 2 feet long and they are often characterized by dark brown blotches on the back and the sides. They have a thick body, heart-shaped head, and heat-sensing pits on the head. They are very hostile snakes and they can attack quickly hence the need that you should take care when you are exploring the different parts of the state. These snakes are characterized by dark chocolate brown blotches on the skin and they have heat-sensing vipers between the nostrils and the eyes.

It is important to understand that these snakes thrive primarily on the wet habitats of the state of Iowa and you should be careful when traversing this environment because you never know when they can attack. The venom from these snakes is cytotoxic and this means that it can eat the tissues away and it has a very unique way of disrupting blood flow. When blood clotting is affected then the victim is likely to bleed to death. The bite might be small but it can be fatal. These snakes usually attack whenever they feel threatened and you should be aware of your environment before you go exploring.

Hawks

Hawks

The hawks are very unique creatures because they usually act a balance that reduces the overall population of different wildlife such as snakes, birds, fish, reptiles among others. The hawks are predators in nature and you will find them in different parts of the state of Iowa when traversing the state then you should look at different areas of the state as they are very dangerous.

The hawks become a nuisance especially when their food is scarce. They do not attack people but they may snatch anything that you are eating on your hand. Since these creatures usually consume all kinds of animals they usually carry a wide array of viruses and bacteria and these might cause diseases and infections.

Copperhead

The rattlesnakes that are found in the state of Iowa are some of the most dangerous creatures that you will find out there. The copperhead rattlesnakes are very intelligent snakes because they camouflage with their surroundings and you will not know that it is there until you are bitten. It is important that when you are traversing the state then you should know the areas that they like living in and this will help you make the right decision.

These copperhead snakes are pit vipers and they usually use heat sensors to determine the height and the distance of their prey hence can strike with ultimate precision. They have distinguishable patterns on their bodies and depending on the location that you are going to find the snake then it will have features that make it unique to that environment.

Greece is also one of the countries where is home of many different types of snakes that you want to know.

Deer

Deer

The deer may seem like a docile creature, however, this is not the case because this can be a very dangerous creature. Since the number of deer around the state has risen sharply in the recent past, they are often prone to injuries caused by hitting or causing accidents on the road. There have been numerous fatalities that are attributed to the deer running wild on the roads. On the other hand, during the mating season or when they are nursing their young ones these animals are very dangerous especially the males because they are trying to mark their territory and when they feel that you are encroaching on their area then they will attack you.

Essentially an adult deer will weigh about 250 pounds and they are very fast creatures hence you will not know when they attack. It is imperative that you take your time to review the area that you are going to explore so that you avoid accidents caused by these creatures. If you are in an accident or you are attacked by a deer, then you should seek immediate medical attention.

Ticks

Ticks

These are very small yet dangerous creatures because they thrive in the prairies and the grassland vegetation of the state of Iowa. You can’t miss this dangerous animal in Croatia either! They usually like attacking different animals and they are known to suck blood from these animals. Ticks are very dangerous because they often carry all kinds of bacteria and viruses that can move from one creature to another.

The ticks usually thrive in grassland locations and they attach to the host before sucking its blood and infecting the animal with different kinds of diseases. It is critical that when you are visiting the state of Iowa then you should carry bug spray and avoid these ticks.

Timber rattlesnakes

This is one of the most common snake species that you will find around the state of Iowa. These snakes are often thriving in different parts of Iowa and an adult will grow from anything from 30 to 60 inches. The coloration of these snakes varies from yellowish-brown to grey and you will see black or dark brown bands on their backs. The timber rattlesnake is a very dangerous creature that you must avoid at all costs because they are found in different parts of the state of Iowa from the high areas to flood plains and agricultural areas. The snake can bite and even though the venom might not be highly venomous it is highly toxic and it will cause organ failure and sometimes excessive swelling of the bite location. The snakes usually ambush their prey before biting them and delivering the venom. It will also similarly attack you if you interfere with them while at their habitat.

The timber rattlesnake usually feeds on smaller snakes, birds, frogs, and other creatures and you should watch out for them because they can be very dangerous. Since the snake consumes a wide array of creatures is bound also to transfer different kinds of bacteria and viruses to you. If this snake bites you, then you should seek immediate medical attention because the problem might persist and cause severe injuries and damage to tissues and organs.

Black Widow

This is the most popular spider species that is found in the Midwest states of the USA. This spider has a strange web on the abdomen and you can easily see it with the red hourglass shape. The bites or stings from these spiders are very venomous and can cause fatalities if it is not handled with immediate effect. The hourglass shape is marked with patterns that make this spider the most dangerous creature out there.  

According to research the venom from this snake is capable of killing 15 adult men and this is produced by a single spider hence when they attack you and you do not get immediate help then you are likely to die. Some of the side effects of the bites from the spider include loss of consciousness, increased heartbeat, loss of motor function, difficulty breathing, and blurred vision. You may also experience nausea, muscle aches and you should stay with these creatures because they can cause severe injuries and even death to the victim. In most cases, you will find them thriving in their habitats in the forest and they tend to be less aggressive. However, when they feel that they are being attacked then they will retaliate.

Prairie rattlesnake

 This is a very dangerous snake because it has some of the exceptional characteristics to attack the prey with ease. They are venomous and they thrive in the prairies of Iowa. They usually vary in size from 3.3 to 5 feet in length and this is critical because they can cause severe damage to your tissues and organs. Their coloration varies from light brown, olive green, greenish-brown, greenish-grey among others. They have dark blotches on the skin. The eyes are elliptical and they have heat sensors between their eyes. When they sense a prey or a victim they will attack with precision because their vision is impeccable.

The prairie rattlesnakes usually hibernate during the winter period hence you are likely to encounter them during the summer and spring seasons. They usually hide in burrows, caves, and rock crevices. They are usually shy snakes but when they feel threatened they will attack the prey with venom that is neurotoxic and hemotoxic and this can be fatal to human beings.


In conclusion, the state of Iowa presents you with a unique opportunity to explore different species and you should explore the different parts of the state for these creatures. there is so much that you can do and see while in the region. It is always critical that you always know the environment that you are exploring this way you will keep safe.

Aurimas Bio

Hi there! I’m Aurimas, a man behind Go Look Explore. I’m passionate about hiking, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and everything outdoors related. Let’s connect.