The North American continent is one of the most visited continents in the world. There are many places that you should visit in North America. The continent is in the western hemisphere and it is often considered a single continent it borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east, the arctic ocean in the north, and the Pacific Ocean in the west. The North American continent covers an area of 25 million square kilometers and the area is about 5% of the total earth’s landmass. The population in this continent is about 580 million. Since the continent has many rivers, water bodies, and landmass there are so many wild creatures, including some dangerous animals in North America.
Over the years the continent has developed immensely and it is the current icon of modern civilization and democracy. The North American continent is majorly made of Canada and the United States. The area covered is home to animals and creatures from different species and categories. Most of the animals that are found in North America are harmless, however, there is a group of creatures that you should avoid at all costs. When visiting North America, you must be aware of your environment so that you do not end up injured or attacked by these creatures. When traveling to North America, you must take your time to evaluate the animals that you are likely to encounter to prevent any injuries. When it comes to dangerous animals, they are not only limited to large creatures but also small insects that spread dangerous diseases. Here are some of the top dangerous animals in North America.
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Dogs
Everyone loves how the dogs are cute and man’s best friend. However, this is not always the case. Statistics show that there are over 5 million dog bites in the United States along. According to the data, about 20% of these bites are usually lethal and if they are not treated with immediate effect they may result in fatalities. It is important that if you are encountering dogs, you should be careful how you handle them because they can be dangerous especially if they are not familiar with you.
Some dogs are very defensive and they will attack when their space is interfered with or when they see that you are touching their owner. The dogs usually carry bacteria and as much as they are vaccinated, they might cause rabies. Always seek medical advice immediately in case you are bitten by a dog.
Further reading:
Black widow spider
The North American continent has over five thousand spider species and some of these spiders are known to be nonvenomous. However, there are major spiders that you should be wary of when exploring the region. The hobo spider, the recluse spider, and the black widow spiders are the most dangerous spiders that you will find on the continent. It is important to note that these spiders carry a very large amount of venom and when they sting, they can cause paralysis, breathing problems, and inflammation.
In most cases, it is difficult for you to encounter these spiders, however, if you are going out for a hike or staying in a warm area with several crevices then these spiders are known to hide in them. The dangerous spider species have distinct red markings and you should be careful when choosing a place to stay during your holiday.
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Sharks
Sharks are some of the most dangerous in North America. The North American continent is filled with lakes, seas, oceans, and waterbodies. The oceans and seas are the main areas where you are likely to encounter sharks. According to data sharks contribute to two deaths annually. The major shark that is known to be very lethal is the great white shark.
These are the sharks that you will find in the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean and they mostly attack beachgoers and swimmers as well. Shark bites are dangerous because they have very strong teeth and they can move very fast in the water. A bite from these sharks can cause amputation of the limbs.
Venomous snakes
There are hundreds of snake species that are found in northern America. majority of these snakes are usually less poisonous, however, other species from the rattlesnake family are very dangerous. If you are going camping or want to hike in North America, then you must stay on track. When you do this, you will avoid poisonous snakes. In a situation where the snake bites you then you should seek immediate medical attention.
The best way is to avoid moving the affected limb because it will increase blood flow and this will, in turn, increase the speed at which the snake venom is traveling throughout the body. Snakebites are usually characterized by two holes, slowed breathing, paralysis, and necrosis. Always seek immediate medical help.
Further reading:
American crocodile
The American crocodile is one of the major causes of death in America. These crocodiles are very dangerous because they can attack at any time. Many people do not differentiate between an alligator and a crocodile. The crocodiles mostly reside in salty waters while the alligators like cypress swamps, marshes, and freshwater swamps. The crocodile is a good swimmer and most of them can swim fast in water hence the need to avoid their habitat.
According to data, crocodiles cause 1200 deaths annually. They can grow up to 12 feet long and weigh up to 1000 pounds. With high-energy muscles and sharp teeth, they pierce through flesh easily. You must avoid areas that are rich in crocodiles. If you are attacked by the crocodile and you survive then you should seek immediate medical advice and treatment. They usually carry bacteria and they might infect you with something dangerous.
Mountain lions and pumas
The mountain lions and pumas were popular creatures across the United States. However, the agrarian revolution and industrialization contributed to the clearing of forests which were their main habitats. You will rarely be attacked by a mountain lion. However, you should not rule out a situation where these creatures can attack you.
If you are hiking in the mountains, you must stay at safe distance and go to places where they are known not to visit. In a situation where you are attacked by a puma or lion then you must visit the nearest clinic as fast as possible. These carnivores are known to be carriers of diseases such as rabies hence getting a shot of vaccine is critical.
Whitetail deer
Many people assume that deer are very docile and cute animals. However, this is not the case because they are responsible for hundreds of deaths annually. The whitetail deer are curious creatures and you will find them wandering on the road causing most accidents. According to data, the American deer causes about 1.4 million car accidents in the United States and these may lead to fatal injuries.
The most common season that you might collide with a white-tail deer is from October to December. There are numerous road signs warning people of possible collision with a deer and it is integral that you are careful while on the road.
Wasps and hornets
Many people tend to assume that the flying insects are less dangerous and they assume that their activity is negligible. However, this is not the case because some of the flying insects such as the hornets and the wasps are very dangerous and you should be careful when visiting different places on the North American continent. According to recent statistics, the hornets are more responsible for multiple deaths in America than any other insect.
The number of deaths caused by bees, hornets, and wasps is about 100 annually. The main cause of the deaths by these insects is usually allergies. If you are highly allergic then you should avoid areas that are rich in hornets and wasps. When they bite you, you will feel a sharp pain before you begin to experience swelling in the area. The sting is very painful and you should avoid the areas.
Grizzly bears
The grizzly bears are popularly known as the brown bears and they are found in different parts of the North American continent and western Canada. They are beasts and are always ready to attack whenever they encounter humans. A female adult grizzly bear weighs up to 400 pounds and can grow up to a height of 10 feet. It is important to note that these creatures have sharp teeth and claws and they can break your limbs and tear your flesh within minutes.
They can also run at 35 miles per hour therefore they need to avoid areas where these bears usually reside. There are over 55000 grizzly bears that are living in North America and this is a large population that is dangerous around the continent. Most of these animals usually do not attack humans unless they feel threatened or when you invade their habitat.
Bears
The North American continent is home to some of the most common bears such as polar bears, grizzly bears, and black bears. The black bears are less dangerous and are less likely to attack you. However, you should stay at a safe distance from these creatures because they turn wild and attack you. The best way that you can handle a situation where you are attacked by bears is to make yourself big and shout. The polar and grizzly bears are the most dangerous creatures because they are fierce and they can attack without notice.
They are some of the most dangerous bears in northern America. You do not have to provoke them because these creatures will come charging and will attack you even without any provocation. You must stay from the areas that these bears are known to frequent. If you run into a polar bear the best way is to use a spray because playing dead will not deter the animal it will scratch you and possibly bite your limbs.
American Bison
The American bison is known to cause three to five deaths annually and this creature can charge up to 40 miles per hour hence the need to be very careful. Many people may refer to this creature as the American buffalo and it is the heaviest animal in North America with an adult male weighing up to 1700 pounds there are cases where an adult male has grown up to 3000 pounds. These animals can run fast as much as they are very heavy and they can jump as well. They usually thrive in scrublands and they can be quite frightening to many people.
The local people in Indiana treated the mammal as a spiritual creature and there is a major statue of the white medicine which was a popular white bull. The construction of the railway affected the population of the bison. However, there have grown to a considerable number and they growing in numbers. When compared to the African water buffalo the bison is less volatile and they will not attack you unless they are feeling attacked. It is imperative to note that you should check all the areas that you are traversing to prevent any type of injuries that may occur.
Deer
This might come as a surprise to many people. However, the animal can be quite dangerous especially if it is nursing a young one or during the mating season. According to statistics, the docile Bambi is among the biggest killer deer in the United States. The deer cause many accidents in the northern American continent. In most cases apart from the attack during the nursing and mating period, many accidents are caused by deer collisions and when driving across the continent you should be wary of these creatures.
In conclusion, when traveling across the United States, you should take your time to explore and enjoy your trip but also be careful about the dangerous animals that you might encounter.
