If someone asked you to name some dangerous animals, your immediate response might be “grizzly bear.” However, some animals can deceive you. Although familiarity can breed complacency, many of the creatures that do the greatest harm to human beings live side-by-side with them, not in some remote wilderness.
What should you know to stay safe and protect your loved ones? Beware the hazards of these deceptively dangerous animals that are more threatening than they appear.
1. Cows
Anyone who has ever participated in rodeo knows that bulls are dangerous animals — as are their female counterparts. While folks on this side of the pond have bears to contend with, cows are the most dangerous large animal in England, having killed 30 people between 2018 and 2022 alone.
The greatest danger comes from getting crushed by the herd, as was the case for one unfortunate woman in Wales. However, a kick from one of these beasts can also maim, even kill, if it hits you in the right place. It’s not unusual for cows to weigh over 1,000 pounds, and taking that much force to your abdomen or head isn’t good.
2. Deer
It’s easy to underestimate deer. After all, they’re the preferred prey of many a hunter. However, bucks can get up to no good, especially during the rut, and have been known to fight humans. Considering they usually weigh roughly the same as an adult male, the outcome isn’t always in humanity’s favor.
Of course, you’ll carry a firearm when you head out to bag a buck. Many hunters prefer to have a pistol as well as a rifle to dispatch wounded animals humanely. An injured deer that you merely grazed could attack by surprise, and a handgun gives you the agility to move more quickly than a larger firearm.
3. Rodents
Rodents are so tiny — how could they possibly pose much of a threat? You could ask the 50 million victims of the Black Plague if they were still alive to give interviews.
Even if wood mice, rats and squirrels look adorable, they can carry various diseases such as rabies, Lyme disease and salmonella. Although rare, some of these illnesses can be fatal. It doesn’t even take a bite. Exposure to droppings can result in hantavirus infection, which can seriously damage your lungs and kidneys.
4. Pigs
Pigs are another domestic creature that seems harmless — who can read or watch “Charlotte’s Web” without feeling for Wilbur? However, trouble ensues when Wilbur escapes and goes rogue.
Wild hogs are considered an invasive species in the United States, causing tremendous crop damage. Both the male and female of the species have tusks and can attack when cornered or angered.
Most full-grown adults weigh between 150 and 250 pounds and live in familial groups, giving them plenty of individual strength to hurt you if they choose. Seven people have already lost their lives in 2024 alone due to wild boar attacks.
5. Chickens
A chicken might not kill you, but an angry rooster can put you in a world of hurt. Think about it. This species cannot readily fly to escape predators, so it developed alternative defense mechanisms, like sharp spurs that can maim. Roosters establish their place in the pecking order by battling one another to see who can lead the fiercest defense.
Unfortunately, it’s this defensive propensity that leads to illegal cock-fighting rings. Retraining a rooster that has turned aggressive isn’t easy. Separate him from the flock for a bit, like putting him in time-out. Most importantly, wear protective clothing like jeans and gloves when entering the coop and use a broom to keep distance between you and a headstrong rooster.
6. Dogs
While they may go by the moniker “man’s best friend,” domestic dogs kill more humans each year than nearly any other animal, with the exception of snakes, mosquitos and other human beings. Part of the problem lies with unvaccinated pups that spread rabies. Other fatalities result from attacks. Both causes are largely preventable but rely on people to do the right thing.
Ensure your dogs have all their required vaccinations, if for no other reason than to protect yourself from heartbreak — remember “Old Yeller?” Furthermore, invest in puppy obedience classes and never train dogs to attack. The sight of a canine or two alone is often enough for defending yourself and your property.
Stay Safe From Deceptively Dangerous Animals
The animals on this list may appear in many children’s books and appear friendly and harmless. However, any living creature is inherently unpredictable and may pose a threat under the right circumstances. Understanding how deceptively dangerous these animals can be will keep you and yours safer.
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