North Carolina had 4th-most deadly animal attacks over 26-year period, study finds

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina had the fourth-most deadly animal attacks in the nation over a 26-year period, a study found.

The study from Outforia analyzed CDC records from 1999 to 2024 to determine which states had the most animal-related deaths and where the risk was the highest per population.

According to the study, North Carolina ranked fourth in deadly animal attacks, with 233 deaths recorded during the 26-year period.

Per 10 million residents, North Carolina had a rate of 9.4 animal-related deaths, the 19th highest in the nation, according to the study.

“North Carolina has a strong outdoor culture, and people experience the outdoors in a lot of different ways across the state,” Outforia founder Carl Borg said in a statement. “You have mountains, forests, trails, lakes, rural areas, and coastal environments, so the type of animal-related risk can change depending on whether someone is near home, hiking, camping, fishing, or exploring somewhere unfamiliar.

“Fatal animal encounters are still rare, but the data is a good reminder not to get too comfortable around wildlife or animals you do not know,” he continued in his statement. “Many risky situations start with simple mistakes, like reaching into a hidden space, walking through tall grass without the right footwear, leaving food out at a campsite, letting dogs approach wildlife, or getting too close to an animal for a photo.

“People do not need to avoid the outdoors. They just need to treat it with respect. Checking park guidance, following local warnings, supervising children and pets, storing food properly, and giving animals plenty of space can all help stop an encounter from becoming serious.”

Texas had the most animal-related deaths at 726, followed by California at 414 and Florida at 346, according to the study.

The study found Montana had the highest population-adjusted rate of deadly animal attacks, with 23.7 deaths per 10 million residents.

Outforia said it used CDC animal-related mortality codes connected to dogs, other mammals, reptiles, marine animals, insects, spiders, snakes, and other venomous animals to compile the study.