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Bites, Claws, and Fangs: What You Should Know About Animal Attacks in the U.S.
Animal attacks might sound like something rare or sensational, reserved for viral news stories or dramatic nature documentaries. But the truth is, millions of Americans are bitten by animals every year. Many of those bites require emergency care, and some even turn deadly. This recent study from The Schiller Kessler Group explores this a bit more in-depth.
From loyal dogs to lurking snakes, understanding which animals bite the most, why they do it, and how to protect yourself is more than just trivia; it's an essential part of staying safe in your everyday life.
Animal bites aren't always random. Most attacks happen when animals are scared, stressed, in pain, or trying to protect their territory. Dogs may bite when they feel threatened, startled, or protective—especially around food, toys, or their humans.
may bite when they feel threatened, startled, or protective—especially around food, toys, or their humans. Cats , on the other hand, can lash out when overstimulated or annoyed, even if they were cuddly five seconds ago.
, on the other hand, can lash out when overstimulated or annoyed, even if they were cuddly five seconds ago. Snakes typically bite as a defense mechanism, especially if someone accidentally steps on them or gets too close.
Recognizing animal behavior and respecting their boundaries is one of the best ways to avoid getting bitten, but let's look at which creatures are doing the most damage.
Dogs are by far the most common source of animal bites in the U.S., and with over 65 million households owning at least one, it's not hard to see why.
Each year: 4.5 million dog bites are reported in the U.S.
are reported in the U.S. 800,000 people need medical care due to the bite.
need medical care due to the bite. 30–50 people die annually from dog attacks, with 81 deaths recorded in 2021 alone.
The data also shows that households with two or more dogs are five times more likely to experience a bite incident. And unfortunately, children are the most vulnerable: Ages 5–9 face the highest risk.
face the highest risk. Ages 0–4 come in second.
come in second. Ages 10–14 are third.
Injuries from dog bites commonly include puncture wounds, broken bones, and serious infections like rabies or tetanus, especially when bites affect the face, hands, or legs.
While cats are less likely to bite than dogs, their sharp little teeth can pack a punch. Around 400,000 cat bites happen every year in the U.S., and 66,000 of those send people to the ER. Women tend to be the most common victims, and most bites happen during rough play or when a cat feels overstimulated.
The danger with cats lies in the risk of infection—their bites tend to be deeper, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Common injuries include cuts, swelling, and punctures, especially on the hands, face, and neck.
Snake bites may not be as common, but when they do happen—especially from venomous species—they can be life-threatening.
Each year in the U.S.: Around 45,000 people are bitten by snakes.
are bitten by snakes. Between 7,000 and 8,000 bites involve venom.
involve venom. About 5 people die annually due to venomous snake bites.
The victims are mostly men (72%), often bitten while hiking or doing yard work. Venomous bites can cause everything from tissue damage to organ failure, while non-venomous bites may result in pain and swelling. Either way, fast medical care is essential.
Some states report higher rates of bites simply because of population density, animal ownership, and local enforcement of leash or wildlife safety laws.
Top States for Dog Bites: Ohio
Illinois
Michigan
New York
Florida
Pennsylvania
Georgia
North Carolina
Texas
California
Top States for Snake Bites: Texas (over 1,400 venomous bites annually)
North Carolina
Georgia
Florida
Louisiana
Arkansas
Mississippi
Missouri
California
Virginia
In warmer states, snake encounters are more common due to habitat and climate. And cities with high dog ownership—like Los Angeles, Houston, and Denver—may see more bites purely due to the number of pets out and about.
Animal bites can happen fast, but many are preventable. Here's how to lower your risk:
Dog Safety Tips Don't approach unfamiliar dogs.
Avoid disturbing a dog while it's eating or sleeping.
Teach kids how to treat pets gently and respectfully.
Cat Safety Tips Pay attention to body language—flattened ears and twitching tails are red flags.
Avoid rough play with hands.
Give cats space when they seem irritated or overstimulated.
Snake Safety Tips Wear boots and watch your step when hiking or walking through tall grass.
Never try to handle or provoke a snake.
Back away slowly if you spot one in the wild.
No matter the animal, here's what to do immediately: Clean the wound with soap and water—don't scrub too hard. Stop the bleeding with gentle pressure and a clean cloth. Bandage the bite and seek medical care—especially if the bite is deep, bleeding heavily,
Bottom Line: Awareness Saves Lives
Animal bites are far more common than many of us realize, but they're also largely preventable. By understanding animal behavior, practicing smart safety habits, and responding quickly to injuries, we can reduce the risk of serious harm. At The Schiller Kessler Group, we believe that knowledge is the first line of defense, because staying safe often starts with simply knowing better.
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