When people think of dangerous wildlife in North America, their minds often go straight to bears, mountain lions, or wolves. The reality, however, is that while these animals can pose a threat, the most common dangers often come from unexpected sources—like deer. Wildlife-related injuries and fatalities do happen, but the context in which they occur is often misunderstood.
We’ll break down the most common wild animal attacks in North America using real statistics, discuss how to prevent encounters, outline safety measures for different species, and debunk common myths. We’ll also explain how the likelihood of encountering dangerous wildlife varies drastically depending on location and activity. If you’re worried about bears in your backyard in Columbus, Ohio, don’t be—but if you’re an elk hunter deep in Montana’s backcountry, you’d better have your bear spray ready.
The Most Common Wild Animal Attacks & Injuries
1. Deer-Vehicle Collisions: The Silent Killer
When it comes to sheer numbers, deer are by far the most dangerous wild animal in North America—not because they attack humans directly, but because they cause thousands of car accidents each year.
• Approximately 1.5 million deer-related vehicle crashes occur annually in the U.S.
• These accidents result in around 200 human deaths and 59,000 injuries each year.
• The highest number of deer collisions occur in West Virginia, Montana, and Pennsylvania.
• The cost of deer-vehicle collisions exceeds $1 billion in property damage annually.
While not as sensational as a bear attack, hitting a deer at highway speeds can be deadly. The best way to avoid these accidents is to be extra vigilant at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active, and to use high beams whenever possible on rural roads.
2. Brown Bear Attacks: Rare But Deadly
Unlike deer, bears do attack humans, though rarely. When they do, it can be fatal, especially in grizzly country.
• Since 2000, 95 people have been killed by brown bears in North America.
• There have been 568 non-fatal injuries from bear attacks over the same period.
• 70% of fatal brown bear attacks involve a mother defending her cubs.
• Montana, Alaska, and Wyoming have the highest concentration of grizzly attacks.
Notably, most bear attacks occur in remote backcountry areas, often involving hikers, campers, and hunters who surprise a bear at close range. Carrying bear spray is the single most effective way to deter an attack, with a 92% success rate in stopping charging bears.
3. Black Bear Attacks: More Frequent, But Less Lethal
Black bears are far more common than grizzlies and have a much larger range. Unlike brown bears, black bears are less aggressive and more likely to flee when encountering humans.
• There have been 67 fatal black bear attacks in North America since 1900.
• Black bear attacks tend to be predatory rather than defensive, meaning the bear is actively hunting rather than protecting cubs.
• 90% of black bear attacks occur in Canada and Alaska, though they can happen anywhere black bears live.
Despite the numbers, the chances of being killed by a black bear are incredibly low—about 1 in 2.1 million in the U.S. The best way to avoid conflict is to store food properly, keep a clean campsite, and never feed bears.
4. Mountain Lion Attacks: Increasing, But Still Rare
Cougar attacks are some of the rarest, but when they happen, they can be devastating.
• Since 1890, there have been 88 reported cougar attacks in North America.
• Of those, 20 resulted in fatalities.
• Most attacks occur in California, Colorado, and British Columbia.
• Cougars tend to target lone hikers, children, or joggers moving quickly through their territory.
Mountain lions typically avoid humans, but if you do encounter one, standing your ground and making yourself appear larger is critical. Running can trigger a predatory instinct.
5. Coyote Attacks: An Urban Threat
Coyotes aren’t usually seen as a threat, but as they become more accustomed to urban environments, attacks on pets—and occasionally humans—have increased.
• Between 1978 and 2003, 80 coyote attacks were reported in California alone.
• In 2009, a Canadian folk singer was killed by coyotes in Nova Scotia, one of the few fatal coyote attacks on record.
• Coyotes often target small pets and young children.
Coyotes rarely pose a serious threat to adult humans, but keeping pets on a leash and scaring off coyotes when they approach is the best way to avoid conflict.
How to Avoid Dangerous Wildlife Encounters
Wild animals generally don’t seek out human interactions. In most cases, people unknowingly attract them by leaving food unsecured, failing to make noise on the trail, or surprising them in their habitat. Here’s how to minimize your risk:
1. Store Food Properly – In bear country, use bear-proof containers or hang food at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from tree trunks.
2. Make Noise While Hiking – Clap, talk loudly, or wear bear bells, especially in dense vegetation where animals may not hear you approaching.
3. Camp Away from Game Trails – Avoid setting up camp near water sources, berry patches, or animal trails where wildlife is likely to pass.
4. Leash Your Pets – Dogs can provoke wildlife, especially bears, cougars, and coyotes.
5. Travel in Groups – Attacks are much less likely when people travel in groups of three or more.
6. Be Extra Cautious at Dawn and Dusk – This is when predators are most active.
How to Stay Safe If You Encounter a Wild Animal
Even with precautions, you might find yourself face-to-face with a wild animal. Here’s what to do:
• Bears: Do not run. Stand your ground, talk calmly, and use bear spray if necessary. If attacked by a black bear, fight back aggressively. With a grizzly, play dead.
• Mountain Lions: Maintain eye contact and make yourself look as large as possible. Do not turn your back or run.
• Coyotes: Yell, wave your arms, and throw objects to scare them off.
• Moose: Stay at least 50 yards away. If charged, run sideways or take cover behind a tree.
Myth-Busting Common Misconceptions
There’s a lot of misinformation about wild animal attacks. Let’s clear up a few myths:
• MYTH: “If you see a bear, you should climb a tree.”
• TRUTH: Bears can climb faster than you can run. It’s a terrible escape plan.
• MYTH: “If you play dead, all bears will leave you alone.”
• TRUTH: Playing dead works with grizzlies, but black bears see it as weakness and may continue attacking.
Odds of a Wildlife Attack Depend on Where You Are
• If you’re a hiker in Columbus, Ohio, your odds of being attacked by a bear are zero.
• If you’re an elk hunter in Montana, the odds are much higher, because you’re in bear country with freshly killed meatthat can attract predators.
Wildlife attacks aren’t random—they depend on location, activity, and human behavior.
Wildlife encounters are rare but can be serious if you’re unprepared. By understanding animal behavior, taking precautions, and using common sense, you can safely enjoy the outdoors. Most animals want nothing to do with humans—respect them, and they’ll usually return the favor.
