North America is massive, spanning nearly 25 million square kilometers over 23 independent nations. It’s also home to over 579 million people—and countless terrifying creatures. Here are 17 of the most terrifying animals in North America, so be sure to watch out for them!
Polar Bears
You might not expect to find polar bears in the U.S., but the National Park Service estimates that there are up to 7,000 polar bears living in Alaska. Polar bears are fiercely protective, so it’s a good idea to steer clear of them. After all, these powerhouses can easily kill any tourists who get on their bad side.
Elk
There are about a million elk in North America, but encountering even one of these gigantic creatures can be a terrifying experience. Elk are especially threatening at certain times of the year: females are fiercely protective of their young in the spring, while males are extra aggressive during the autumn mating season.
Grizzly Bears
Grizzly bears are one of North America’s most iconic animals, but they’re also one of its most dangerous. They don’t think twice about attacking humans, possibly due to their poor eyesight. You really don’t want to tussle with one—adult males can weigh up to 410 kg, a significant fraction of a small car!
Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes (the name encompasses several different species) thrive in hotter regions throughout North America, where they can grow up to eight feet long. They’re also venomous—few rattlesnake bites actually result in death, but you should always seek medical attention if you suspect that you’ve been bitten.
Great White Sharks
While shark attacks are less common than Baywatch would have us believe, great whites are still fearsome creatures. They were linked to dozens of attacks on humans in 2023, with Florida being a hotspot for unprovoked assaults. However, the odds of being killed by a shark are still very low.
Wolverines
Wolverines are carnivores, so you don’t want to run into one while traveling in North America. The weasels-on-steroids are relatively small, but they’re absolutely fearless. National Geographic reports cases of wolverines managing to scare away massive bears—if the bears are scared, then you should be, too!
American Alligators
Avoid getting too friendly with the American alligator while traveling in the southeastern areas of the U.S. These reptiles can reach up to 15 feet in length, and their powerful jaws won’t have any difficulty snapping you up if they’re provoked. Luckily, they’re relatively shy creatures, so you’ll be safe as long as you’re sensible.
American Bison
Don’t dismiss the American bison—the seemingly placid cattle can be incredibly dangerous when messed with. These bulky creatures can run up to 65 kmph, so the middle of a bison stampede is the last place you want to be. They’re also very protective of their young, so be extra careful during calving season.
Deer
Deers may look like cute herbivores, but their adorable appearance hides a dark secret. Deers will eat meat if it’s convenient, and they’ll also attack humans if interrupted during their mating season. It’s important not to judge a book by its cover—deer seem cuddly, but they can be pretty scary if caught off-guard.
Gray Wolves
Gray wolves are the most common type of wolf in North America, although hunting is taking a toll on their numbers. Rather than taking the fight to their hunters, gray wolves prefer to avoid human contact. As with many of their more domesticated relatives, the gray wolf’s bark is worse than its bite.
Crocodiles
Crocodiles can be found in many places beneath South Florida, and it’s not unheard of for them to attack humans. As the Independent points out, crocodile attacks are relatively rare, but that doesn’t mean that you should be careless: an 85-year-old woman was killed by a crocodile in Florida in 2023.
Cougars
Cougars (also called mountain lions) are found throughout North America, including in Yosemite National Park. These big cats do sometimes attack humans, and they’re particularly aggressive towards children. It’s important to put safety first when planning your next family vacation in North America.
Black Bears
Black bears are one of nature’s most imposing creatures. Luckily, black bear encounters don’t need to end badly if you follow the strict advice of the Department of Natural Resources: black bears can be scared away, talked down, or simply zapped with bear spray in order to avoid a violent confrontation.
Sidewinders
Sidewinders are a distinct type of rattlesnake—in fact, they’re sometimes called horned rattlesnakes due to their distinctive (and demonic) horns. Just like their rattlesnake relatives, they’re capable of poisoning humans who get too close.
Fire Ants
While many larger North American creatures aren’t naturally aggressive, it seems that fire ants didn’t get the memo. These venomous little bugs can bite humans, leading to blistered skin and, in rare cases, death. As a result, it’s always best to go to the hospital if your ant-related injuries are especially serious.
Arizona Black Scorpions
The Arizona Black Scorpion is one of the most dangerous animals in North America. Its string can kill a healthy adult, with children even more at risk. This danger factor makes it unique among scorpions in the U.S.—no other scorpion is such a severe threat to human life.
Killer Bees
Killer bees might sound like something out of a comic book, but they’re a very real threat to North Americans. The most infamous type is the genetically engineered Africanized honeybee. It’s safe to say that these insects take home invasions very seriously, so don’t risk getting caught with your hand in their honeypot!
Up Next: 17 Phrases Older People Use That No One Else Gets
Each and every generation has its own phrases and sayings that separate it from the rest, and the boomers certainly have plenty. Discover 17 popular boomer phrases that aren’t often used today and what they mean. Maybe you’ll want to bring some of them back!
17 Phrases Older People Use That No One Else Gets
People Who Don’t Show Empathy Usually Have These 18 Traits
The world would be a better place if everyone had a little more empathy. But sadly, in reality, some people show much less empathy than we’d like. Here are 18 traits of people who don’t show empathy.
People Who Don’t Show Empathy Usually Have These 18 Traits
The 17 Unhappiest States in America
The US has hit an all-time low position in the World Happiness Index, tumbling to 23rd in 2024. However, it’s important to remember that location is an important factor; many US states are very happy, unlike the following 17 US states that appear to be the most unhappy.