There's danger in the woods - here are the 12 deadliest animals in Connecticut

Yahoo

27-05-2025

Now that the weather is getting warmer, you might find yourself going outside more.
Going for a hike can be a great way to get some exercise and there are many trails in Connecticut to check out. Being in nature can be a great way to clear your head.
Nature is also home to a number of wild animals. Connecticut has many forested areas and rural regions where animals such as bears, snakes and coyotes live.
WorldAtlas, a website that produces content on geography, science, current events and more, released a list of the 12 deadliest animals in Connecticut. The list discusses what makes each animal so dangerous and how they can be avoided.
Here are the 12 deadliest animals in Connecticut, according to WorldAtlas.
Ticks can be found in Connecticut's forests and areas with long grass fields. While tick bites usually are not harmful, ticks can spread potentially deadly diseases. In addition to Lyme disease, deer ticks are also known to spread anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus.
To best prevent tick-borne illness, WorldAtlas recommends wearing long sleeves and pants in the areas where ticks are. The site also recommends using bug repellent and checking yourself regularly while in high-risk areas.
Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on earth, according to WorldAtlas. In Connecticut, they spread diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Zika virus.
WorldAtlas says to avoid mosquitoes, stay away from stagnant bodies of water, use bug spray, stay indoors around dawn and dusk and wear long-sleeved clothing.
According to WorldAtlas, black bears wander the forests and suburbs of Connecticut, often wandering into more populated areas in search of food.
Though they are typically shy, bears will attack if provoked or if their cubs are in danger. If you encounter a bear on a hike, WorldAtlas recommends you wave your arms and make noise to scare it away. If you see bear cubs, WorldAtlas recommends you go back the way you came to give their mother a wider berth.
This venomous snake's bite induces pain, swelling and tissue damage for bites left untreated.
According to WorldAtlas, seek medical treatment immediately if you are bitten. To avoid Eastern copperheads, WorldAtlas says stay observant on hikes, stay on the trail and be aware that swampier areas are typically where the snake is found.
Timber rattlesnakes are large, venomous snakes with rattling tails typically found in rocky, remote areas of Connecticut.
A timber rattlesnake's bite can induce severe pain, swelling and larger body/organ issues if medical attention is not taken immediately. While the snake is typically shy, WorldAtlas recommends people stay away from the rocky, remote areas they are usually found and go back the way you came if you hear their rattle.
According to WorldAtlas, coyotes can be found in Connecticut's suburban communities, as they are drawn to trash and small pets. They are known to scrounge through and attack humans and pets when food is scarce. In addition, they are occasionally mistaken for dogs.
Coyotes have sharp teeth and sometimes carry rabies. To avoid coyotes, WorldAtlas recommends people make a lot of noise if one is nearby and keep an eye on their pets.
It is not uncommon for bobcats to attack smaller animals, so WorldAtlas recommends people keep smaller pets under careful supervision when outside.
According to WorldAtlas, bobcats are unlikely to attack a human unless provoked but they can be protective particularly during mating and child-rearing season.
If you do encounter a bobcat, WorldAtlas recommends you maintain as much distance as possible and back away from the animal. If the bobcat does show interest in you, WorldAtlas recommends you make yourself as large and intimidating as possible by making noise, throwing objects and spraying water towards the animal.
Brown recluse spiders live predominantly in dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, attics, sheds and woodpiles.
According to WorldAtlas, brown recluse spiders usually only bite when they feel physically threatened. If bitten, WorldAtlas reccomends you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Though a bite from a brown recluse spider is rarely fatal, it can cause severe necrosis in and around the affected bite area, which can lead to permanent skin and nerve damage.
To avoid being bitten by a brown recluse spider, WorldAtlas recommends shaking shoes or boots you might keep outside or other clothing that receives less frequent attention. The site also recommends wearing gloves when handling firewood or working in the dark.
Black widow spider bites can be extremely painful and can cause necrosis in the bite area. If bitten, WorldAtlas recommends you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Like a brown recluse spider, black widows can be found in quiet areas such as woodpiles, sheds, basements and attics. Avoiding black widows follows many of the same basic guidelines as the black recluse spider.
In addition to rabid raccoons, non-rabid raccoons can cause harm to humans. They have sharp teeth and claws and often carry other bacteria.
According to WorldAtlas, the best way to avoid run-ins with raccoons is to secure your trash, keep your yard clean and fence your gardens. If you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon, WorldAtlas recommends you seek immediate attention.
If you encounter an Eastern wolf, WorldAtlas recommends making a lot of noise and making yourself seem as large and intimidating as possible.
WorldAtlas also says to always face the wolf and do not run away. If the wolf does attack you, the site recommends using sticks or rocks to fight back, or climbing up a tree, as wolves are unable to do so.
White-tailed deer can be deadly if hit by a motor vehicle. WorldAtlas reccomends drivers buckle their seat belts, avoid distracted driving, follow the posted speed limit, stick to well-lit areas when possible and pay attention to signs warning of increased animal activity.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Deadliest creatures in Connecticut