Fangs, Claws, and Quills: North America's Most Wanted! 

11th March, 2024

SOUMI MITRA

Rattlesnakes 

Danger Factor : Venomous bite that can cause severe injury or even death if left untreated.  ●Habitat :    Found throughout most of North America, from deserts to prairies and even some forests.

Bears (Black Bears, Grizzlies, and Polar Bears) 

Danger Factor : Large predators with powerful claws and teeth.  ●Habitat :    Depending on species – Black bears are common in forests, Grizzlies in mountains, and Polar bears in Arctic regions. 

Moose 

Danger Factor : Large size and unpredictable behavior, especially during mating season. ●Habitat :    Found in forests and meadows across North America. 

Cougars (Mountain Lions) 

Danger Factor : Large ambush predator with powerful legs and sharp claws. They can inflict severe injuries with a single swipe or bite.   ●Habitat :    Found in mountainous regions and forests across North America. 

Wolves 

Danger Factor : While not inherently aggressive towards humans, they are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially when protecting pups.   ●Habitat :    Found in various wild areas across North America, from forests to mountains. 

Bison 

Danger Factor : Large and powerful herd animals behave unpredictably, especially during mating season or when protecting young.  ●Habitat :    Found in grasslands and plains, primarily in the central US and Canada.

Coyotes

Danger Factor : Opportunistic predators that may become aggressive towards unattended pets or small children, especially in urban areas.   ●Habitat :    Highly adaptable – found in forests, deserts, prairies, and even some suburban areas. 

Scorpions (Especially Bark Scorpions in the Southwest) 

Danger Factor : Stings can be painful and potentially dangerous, especially for young children or people with allergies.  ●Habitat :    Found in desert regions of the southwestern US and Mexico. 

Spiders (Black Widows and Brown Recluses) 

Danger Factor : Venomous spiders with bites that can cause serious health problems, including tissue damage and illness.  ●Habitat :    Black widows are found in various areas, including woodpiles, outbuildings, and gardens. Brown Recluses prefer dark, secluded spaces indoors.

Poisonous Plants (Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac) 

Danger Factor : These plants contain a resin called urushiol that causes a blistering, itchy skin rash upon contact. ●Habitat :    Found in various areas across North America – Poison Ivy is common in forests and fields, Poison Oak is prevalent in the western US, and Poison Sumac grows in swampy areas.