The state of North Carolina is located in the southeastern part of the United States and it is the 9th most populous state in America. North Carolina borders South Carolina to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Georgia, Tennessee to the west, and Virginia to the north. North Carolina has many things that you can do and places that you can visit during your trip. The land of the state is rich in diversity because you can find land and water animals as well. Therefore, you will expect to see different wild creatures, including some dangerous ones. It is important to note that Charlotte is the largest city and Raleigh is the capital of the state. North Carolina combines both the urban and country feel that will allow you to enjoy watersports activities as well as outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and trekking in the amazing hiking spots in the state.

North Carolina is one state that has a history that dates back to over ten thousand years ago when there was evidence of human occupation in Hardaway. When you are visiting a new destination, you must be aware of what you are going to expect in this region. North Carolina receives strong easterly winds and this has affected its diversity in fauna and flora. The beautiful state is home to some of the unique creatures that you can find in the United States and North America in general. The rugged waves and blue ridge mountains have shaped the animal and plant species that are found in North Carolina. The state covers different climatic zones and there is the coastal climate along the coast and then the mountainous climate inland of the state. This changes the plants and animals that can be found in this region. Here are some of the dangerous animals in North Carolina.

White-tailed deer

White tail deer

When it comes to white-tailed deer, it may come as a surprise to many people because they believe that Bambi is a cool animal that does not cause any harm. However, this is not the case because over a thousand road accidents in North Carolina are caused by white-tailed deer. These deer do not attack unless it is the mating season when they become erratic with their behaviors. Many people in the state die of road accidents caused by deer. It is vital that when you are driving, you should observe all the road signs and understand that they cause over 130 deaths in the United States each year.

Copperheads

The copperhead snake is not only prevalent throughout the state of North Carolina, it is also known as dangerous animals in Kentucky. It is important to note that these venomous snakes usually thrive in wooden areas and moist places by a stream. When you are bitten by one of these copperhead snakes you are likely to lose your balance and muscle control. Their venom is very dangerous and you should be careful when exploring the different areas of the state.

The copperhead snake usually hides during the day and they come out during the night to look for food. The bites might not be fatal for people who are not highly allergic. However, they are very painful and cause skin lesions and swelling of the affected areas. For people who are highly allergic, it may be fatal because it can cause anaphylactic shock. It is important that if you are bitten by a snake, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Alligators

Alligators

The alligators in North Carolina have been pushed closer to extinction because of human activities. This animal definitely can’t be out of the list of dangerous animals in Texas. It is imperative to note that the alligator species that are around are usually thriving in rivers, streams, canals, and the eastern part of the state. People have cleared the natural alligator habitat for crop production and other activities and this has resulted in pushing the alligators to a small space. These animals have become so violent that they are ready to attack at any time.

When you are visiting North Carolina, you must take safety measures to ensure that the area you are exploring does not have gators. Some people in the state are consuming alligator meat and this is a process that has caused many of the gators to die off consumption. In an event that you are attacked by an alligator, you must visit your nearest hospital immediately. The physician will give you medication to heal the injuries and prevent any infection that might be from the alligator. Data shows that they are responsible for over a thousand attacks in the state annually.

Black bears

Black bear

When we mention black bears, many people tend to think of brown grizzly bears. However, this is not the case because the black bears tend to be friendly but they are dangerous when they are provoked (see more in Dangerous animals in Iowa). This type of bear usually thrives in uninhabited areas and the wooden landscape. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, then there is a higher chance that you might encounter these creatures. The mountainous region of western North Carolina is home to the black bears. If you are hiking and you encounter these bears, you should maintain your posture and swing your hands to appear huge.

In most cases they will not attack you, however, you should not do so if the bear is nursing a young one or if it is hungry. When they are in this state, they are likely to attack. These bears can grow up to 6 feet high and they weigh almost 300 pounds so you can imagine such a creature pouncing on you. However, if by bad luck you are attacked by the bear then you should seek immediate medical attention.

Brown Recluse

The brown recluse spider is found in most places in North Carolina. This spider is worse than the black widow. They like to live in dark places, on tree stumps, old boxes, basements, and anything that will hide them. You can easily identify these creatures by the eye pattern and the six legs, unlike other spiders that usually have eight legs. A sting from this spider will lead to cell death, loss of muscle control breathing difficulties, and blurred vision. Necrosis of the cells is a common feature and this is where the skin cells die off resulting in organ failure and other defects.

Rattlesnakes

There are different species of rattlesnakes. When you are visiting the state of North Carolina, you must know the kind of snakes that you are likely to experience during your trip. The eastern diamond park, pigmy, and timber rattlesnakes are the most common rattlesnakes that are found in this state. These are very dangerous snakes and they usually have venom that can cause severe injuries and organ failure in human beings. The rattlesnakes are very good at camouflage and you are likely to miss them during your trip. However, if you are an outdoor individual, you should take extra care because they can camouflage the outdoor environment making it hard for you to notice. 

Most of the snake bites in the region occur when people step on them because they are almost unnoticeable because of their camouflage. The pigmy rattlesnake is found in the eastern part of the state and their potent venom is the most important thing because you have to look before stepping anywhere. The rattlesnakes usually attack rapidly and they have the fangs which deliver the venom to the victim. Some of the symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of motor control, lowered heart pressure, and swelling of the affected area. When you are bitten by a rattlesnake, you should visit a hospital as soon as possible.

Lionfish

The lionfish is another species of fish that is becoming a menace in different parts of the states. They are invasive species and often swim in shoals.it is important that when you are exploring the state you should avoid areas with lionfish because they are likely to sting you. The lionfish have a venomous pelvic, anal, or dorsal spine. 

Many healthy people can withstand the pain and the effects of the venom from a lionfish, however, some people have severe allergies and might not survive the process. When attacked by the lionfish you should inform your guide to take you to the hospital immediately.

Water Moccasin

The state of North Carolina is known to be rich and diverse in creatures and among them snakes. There are major snakes that are highly venomous and one of them is the cottonmouth or water moccasin. These are mostly found in the eastern part of the state and they thrive in rivers, lakes, swamps, and water bodies around this region. They are very good swimmers and you should be careful when exploring different parts of the state. They have a stripe along the side of the head and these are very fast swimmers.

It is important that if you choose to take a dip in the waters of North Carolina, then you should have full information about the animals and creatures that are therein. In most cases, a bite from this snake can be fatal to allergic individuals. However, if you are bitten then visit a hospital immediately.

Cougars

Cougar

Cougars have been reported to inhabit the southern states and the most common form of this creature are the pumas which thrive in the mountainous region. Eastern cougars have been around for decades and there is adequate data to prove their presence in the eastern states. These animals are dangerous because they have sharp teeth and their muscles are well built. This is the critical point that they use to attack their prey.

There are a few cases in almost a decade and although they might be negligible it is always better to watch out for these animals especially if you like hiking and the outdoor environment. If by chance you are attacked by the cougars, then you should seek attention from a physician. These are cats and they mostly carry different forms of bacteria.

Sharks

Sharks

There are numerous species of sharks in the coastal region of North Carolina. These sharks usually hang around the estuaries and sounds and during this period they are often migrating or they are looking for food in a different area. The coastal waters of North Carolina and the coastline have made it a perfect spot for the sharks to thrive. Most of the sharks that are found in North America are often in the Atlantic Ocean and the state of North Carolina has a significant coastline along this ocean. When the waters are warm the sharks swim closer to the coastline and if you are a watersport enthusiast then you should watch out because these sharks are very dangerous.

The sharks have very strong teeth and they are very agile when they are in the water. The razor-sharp teeth can pierce through flesh and small bones. The most common species of shark are the sandbar and black nose sharks. These sharks are very dangerous and every month there at least five cases of shark attacks are reported. In a situation where you are bitten by a shark, you should seek medical advice. Always take heed of your guide to avoid shark-infested areas.

Southern Black Widow

The southern black widow is one of the female spiders that is found in most parts of the state of North Carolina. They are mostly found in the eastern region of the state and they thrive in dark places, tree stumps, overgrown places, and woodpiles among other places. The black widow spider is very dangerous because a sting from this spider can result in central nervous system failure. The area that the spider stings swell and cells begin to die off. It is important to note that many people experience blurred vision and they find it hard to breathe.

The spider can leave you motionless and unable to breathe leading to death. They are the most feared spiders in the state and you should do everything possible to avoid them. If you are stung by this spider, seek immediate medical care. When choosing a place always consider that these spiders might be living in crevices and other places always countercheck.

In conclusion, North Carolina should be your next vacation destination because it offers all the east coast vibe as well as the inland vibrancy that you need.

 

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.