Most Dangerous Animals to Avoid in Florida

Let’s take a look at the most dangerous animals in Florida that could kill you by land or sea.

From Disney World to Miami Beach, Florida is all about fun in the sun, but then a shark shows up and tries to ruin everything, mosquitoes inflict one too many bites or an alligator gets a little too close for comfort.

Nothing sours a vacation or day at the beach like encountering a scary animal that can cause serious harm or potentially end your life. Unfortunately, Florida is filled with venomous spiders, frightening panthers, heart-stopping jellyfish and even a crazy dangerous caterpillar. The good news? Contrary to popular belief (and a certain football team), you won’t find jaguars here; they haven’t been in Florida since prehistoric times.

But there’s still plenty of other dangerous animals in Florida that might kill you by land or sea. Just see for yourself.

24. Florida Panther

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Length: 5-6 feet

Weight: 150 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 0

* This ranking of dangerous animals in Florida factors in both the number of annual accidents and deaths as well as the chances of encountering one in the Sunshine State.

Why the Florida Panther Is So Deadly

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A type of mountain lion, the Florida panther is an endangered species (less than 200 of them are left in the wild) that mostly lives in Florida swamplands, like those found in Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. Fun fact: Florida panthers don’t roar, they hiss, purr or growl to communicate. They are great hunters, thanks to sharp claws, powerful limbs and the ability to leap as high as 15 feet.

Unlike other mountain lions, they have crooked tails and a patch of black fur on their back. Though Florida panthers are elusive, they are still dangerous and favor easy prey like solo adults or small children.

23. Box Jellyfish

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Length: 8 inches (with nine-foot tentacles)

Weight: 4 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: Box jellyfish attacks are rare, but hundreds of people in Florida are treated for jellyfish stings in Florida every year. In 2018, a whopping 800 people sought treatment for stings!

Why the Box Jellyfish Is So Deadly

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Florida’s tropical waters are great for swimming and surfing, but beware of the box jellyfish! Also known as the “sea wasp,” these jellies have one of the most potent venoms in the sea, with one sting capable of stopping your heart. Unlike the regular ol’ jellyfish, their tentacles can reach up to 9 feet in length and contain 5,000 stinging cells.

They can also remain attached even after you’ve left the water, which makes the burning from a sting last longer. You can identify them by their box-shaped bell, but their translucent color makes them especially hard to see.

22. Barracuda

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Length: 5 feet

Weight: 100 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 0-1

Why the Barracuda Is So Deadly

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Hanging out near reefs in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, barracudas are aggressive fish with fang-like teeth that are made to rip and shred through other fish and can pose a real danger to humans. Snorkelers and divers are most likely to encounter these ferocious fish, which can swim up to 35 miles per hour (in small bursts) and have been known to tail humans, who they assume are predators and want in on whatever they catch.

But the real danger is that barracudas often mistake shiny objects, like a diving knife or jewelry, for a fish and launch an attack. One quick strike will cause severe lacerations, tissue loss and excruciating pain. Fatalities are rare but entirely possible. In 1947, a barracuda was cited as the cause of death for a Key West swimmer. In 1960, a diver in Pompano Beach was bitten twice and needed 31 stitches. Ouch!

21. American Crocodile

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Length: 20 feet

Weight: 2,000 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 0-1

Why the American Crocodile Is So Deadly

Closeup of an eye of an American crocodile

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Found only in southern Florida, the American crocodile is less aggressive and shyer than those in Australia and the Nile and not as deadly as the American alligator, but swimmers in a Florida canal were reportedly bitten by a croc in 2014. They like to hang out in rivers, mangrove swamps, ponds and creeks, and can be distinguished from an alligator by their longer snout, lighter color and teeth visible when their mouth is closed.

Crocodiles can reach lengths of 20 feet and like to hunt by remaining totally still, then drag their prey down into the water in a move called the “death roll.” Fun fact: They swallow stones to help with digestion and to get some extra buoyancy.

20. Brown Recluse Spider

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Length: About half an inch

Weight: 0.016 ounces

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 0-1

Why the Brown Recluse Is So Deadly

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Florida is home to many spiders, but only two — the brown recluse and southern black widow — can be deadly. Brown recluse spiders have eyes on top of their heads, which makes them especially good hunters. They also like to play dead, so if you see one lying motionless, don’t fall into its web of lies.

But odds are you probably won’t encounter a brown recluse. As their name implies, these spiders like to hide, usually in dark spaces, and won’t attack unless they feel threatened. However, their bite can cause necrosis, blood-clotting issues, kidney failure and seizures. That could mean a trip to the hospital, or worse, as there’s currently no effective antivenom.

19. Southern Black Widow

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Length: 1.5 inches

Weight: 0.035 ounces

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 0-1

Why the Southern Black Widow Is So Deadly

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As dangerous as the brown recluse, but far more common (earning it a higher spot on the list), the southern black widow is a spider not to be messed with. Particularly the females, who are much larger than the males, have fangs that are big enough to puncture human skin. These are the most venomous spiders in North America. Their venom is 15 times stronger than rattlesnake venom, though they inject less.

Females can be identified by a red marking shaped like an hourglass. Their bite can be extremely painful and releases alpha-latrotoxin, which overtakes nerve cells and causes extreme sickness or death. Unlike a brown recluse bite, there’s a powerful antivenom, so with immediate medical treatment, most people should recover.

18. Portuguese Man O’ War

Portuguese Man o’ War Jellyfish on the Beach

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Length: 12 inches (with 30-foot tentacles)

Weight: About a pound (of mostly gas)

No. of annual accidents/deaths: Around 300 stings, with 1-2 being fatal

Why the Portuguese Man O’ War Is So Deadly

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Often misidentified as a type of jellyfish, the Portuguese man o’ war is actually a siphonophore, a unique type of animal made up of individual organisms called zooids that are genetically similar and work together as one. Each zooid has a different task, like floating, eating, reproducing and hunting. These creatures can sometimes be spotted traveling in legions of 1,000 or more.

Their tentacles can grow to about 30 feet and can stretch out to 100 feet to inflict a painful, toxic sting (and can even get you when they’ve become detached from the rest of the colony). Their sting isn’t as lethal as a box jellyfish, but it can cause muscle cramps, an elevated heart rate and a whole lot of discomfort. Though deaths are rare, a Florida swimmer was killed in 1987. In 2010, a woman in Sardinia died of anaphylactic shock after getting stung.

17. Florida Black Bear

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Length: 4-7 feet

Weight: 250-350 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 1-2

Why the Florida Black Bear Is So Deadly

Florida Black Bear in suburban neighborhood

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Though most people think of bears as northern dwellers, 4,050 black bears call Florida home. Since they don’t love the state’s famous sunshine, this subspecies of bear mostly sticks to shady, forested areas around the Florida Panhandle, Ocala and Big Cypress region. Fun fact: These bears are mostly vegetarian; 80 percent of their diet is made up of fruits, nuts and berries, while meat from opossums or armadillos is a mere 5 percent.

They mostly prefer avoiding confrontations with humans (in fact, more humans kill bears than the other way around, largely due to automobile accidents). On the rare occasion bears feel threatened or want to protect their cubs, however, an attack can be lethal. So, it’s best to make a lot of noise or keep your distance when you go to their turf or see them in yours.

16. Marlin

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Length: 14 feet

Weight: 2,000 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 1-2

Why the Marlin Is So Deadly

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As if jellyfish and barracudas aren’t enough, getting into the Florida water also means watching out for marlins. Marlins, which are popular with fishermen (and baseball fans), can grow up t0 14 feet and weigh almost 2,000 pounds. They generally like to prey on squid, dolphins and mackerel, but their long bills have slashed through human flesh from time to time and caused serious injuries.

No deaths have been reported in Florida (yet), but marlins did attack and kill people in North Carolina, Indonesia and Mexico.

12. Sharks (4 Species Tied)

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Midway through our list, we wanted to make a note about sharks. Though shark attacks are rare, Florida has more than any other state. According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), there were 16 unprovoked attacks in 2020, 242 since 2011 and 837 since 1837, when they first started keeping tabs. That’s more than California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York and the Carolinas combined!

So, why do more attacks occur in Florida? Well, it’s surrounded by water, has warm weather throughout the year, draws more surfers and swimmers, and sharks generally prefer the Atlantic to the chillier Pacific. Also, lots of rain can play a factor. At New Smyrna Beach, where a large number of attacks occur, heavy rainoff can create murky water, making it easy for sharks to sneak up on you. Among the sharks that live in Florida’s waters are aggressive predators like great whites, bull sharks, blacktips and tiger sharks, which are all tied in this spot.

12. Great White

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Length: 20 feet

Weight: 6,000 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 1-2

Why the Great White Is So Deadly

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Anyone who’s watched “Jaws” still trembles at the mention of a great white. We can’t blame them, since this apex predator has 300 super-sharp teeth. These behemoths generally prefer eating seals and sea lions, but sometimes, they mistake surfers for these animals and take a bite.

Even a little nibble is powerful enough for one to swim away with your arm or leg. Thankfully, there have been no recorded deaths in Florida from great white attacks, but 52 fatalities have occurred in other states and countries since the 1500s.

12. Bull Shark

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Length: 14 feet

Weight: 1,500 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 1-2

Why the Bull Shark Is So Deadly

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Smaller than great whites, but often more dangerous, bull sharks have been responsible for 18 percent of Florida’s shark attacks since 1926. A key reason? You’re more likely to encounter bull sharks in oceans and rivers and lakes, thanks to their adaptable kidneys that can tolerate both freshwater and saltwater.

Plus, they often like to travel in packs. These flat-snouted sharks can grow up to 14 feet and weigh over 1,500 pounds. There have been five confirmed bull shark deaths in Florida since 1988.

12. Blacktip

Blacktip Reef Shark swimming over Coral Reef

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Length: 7 feet

Weight: 350 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 1-2

Why the Blacktip Is So Deadly

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Named for the black tips on their fins, these sharks are fast, full of energy and have been known to jump and spin in the air (three rotations is the record).

But don’t be fooled by this figure-skater-like description, blacktips have accounted for 17 percent of shark attacks in Florida. Though they prefer eating fish, including smaller sharks, their excellent sense of smell makes them especially good predators.

12. Tiger Shark

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Length: 25 feet

Weight: 1,900 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 1-2

Why the Tiger Shark Is So Deadly

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Bolder and more aggressive, these striped sharks are responsible for just 2 percent of Florida shark attacks, but an encounter with one can prove more fatal. They are the world’s second-deadliest shark after the great white, killing 34 people since the 1500s.

Tiger sharks are mostly found in deep, subtropical waters (lookout, scuba divers!). They will eat just about anything including fish, birds, squid, bottles, tires and humans.

11. American Alligator

American Alligator Swimming in Everglades

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Length: 10 feet

Weight: 1,000 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 10 attacks, with 1 or 2 deaths

Why the American Alligator Is So Deadly

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Growing up to 10 feet and reaching weights over 1,000 pounds, the American alligator is the largest reptile in North America. Over a million live in Florida alone, lurking in rivers, swamps and marshes. These apex predators are smart and stealthy hunters, sometimes putting sticks and branches on their heads to attract birds.

Though they generally prefer sinking their teeth (all 75 to 80 of them!) into fish, frogs and snails, they aren’t above chomping on humans. Tragically, they sometimes aggressively hunt small children they mistake for prey, as was the case in 2015 when an alligator snatched and killed a 2-year-old boy at Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Alligators have caused an estimated 25 deaths in Florida between 1928 and 2019, according to The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

10. Eastern Diamondback

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Length: 5 feet

Weight: 5 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 1-2

Why the Eastern Diamondback Is So Deadly

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If you’re one of the 300 people bitten by a snake in Florida every year, odds are you’ll survive (only about six people die from snake bites in the U.S. every year), but certain ones are deadlier than others, which is why five snakes are in our top 10 list of dangerous Florida animals.

First up: the eastern diamondback. A type of rattlesnake, this is the largest venomous snake in North America, reaching lengths of up to 8 feet. Common in Florida, they are found in virtually every county. As their name suggests, these vipers have a beautiful black and yellow diamond pattern, but if you see one, it’s best not to stop and stare. Though it usually only attacks in self-defense, the snake can strike far — up to two-thirds of its body length.

You’ll know an eastern diamondback is going to attack when it coils its body, shakes its tail and makes a hissing sound. Their bite is incredibly painful and can cause difficulty with swallowing, speaking and breathing. You may also go into respiratory failure if not treated with antivenom right away. That said, most snakes only bite when they feel threatened, and they’re pretty fascinating creatures.

9. Fire Ant

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Length: 0.5 centimeters

Weight: 0.04 milligrams

No. of annual accidents/deaths: Millions are bitten; 1 or 2 deaths occur

Why the Fire Ant Is So Deadly

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You do not want these ants in your pants! Fire ants were originally brought to Florida from a cargo boat in South America and have aggressively spread to every county. They live in colonies of over 200,000, so the numbers game is definitely in their favor when going on the attack.

Skilled swarmers, they’ve been known to wipe out entire bee colonies. They’ve also attacked humans in parks, golf courses and their backyards. Their bites can be very painful and are filled with irritants and toxins that will likely leave a mark and, if you’re allergic, cause anaphylactic shock.

8. Cottonmouth Snake

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Length: 4 feet

Weight: 4 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 1-3

Why the Cottonmouth Snake is So Deadly

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Often found in or near water, cottonmouths range from 2 to 4 feet and are typically dark brown, olive green or jet-black. Their name comes from a white color found inside their mouths, which they often show off when they feel threatened. Also called water moccasins, they hunt on both water and land, eating fish, birds, small mammals and even smaller snakes.

They typically kill with a single bite, then wrap themselves around their prey for good measure before swallowing it whole. Their venom is especially dangerous because it contains toxins that break down blood cells, prevent clotting and cause hemorrhages. If left untreated, their bite can be fatal.

7. Wild Hog

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Length: 5-6 feet

Weight: 150-300 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 2

Why the Wild Hog Is So Deadly

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First brought to Florida in 1539 by Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto, there are now over 500,000 wild hogs who live here (the second largest population in the U.S. after Texas). They often terrorize farmers, treating their newborn livestock and crops like an all-you-can-eat buffet. As if that weren’t bad enough, they carry a lot of diseases, like hepatitis, tuberculosis and influenza.

The 300-pound wild boar is an especially scary hog. If it feels cornered or threatened, it will charge at speeds of 30 miles per hour, and you won’t want to be on the receiving end of those razor-sharp tusks. So, it’s best not to try and play “This Little Piggy” with them. In all seriousness, hogs can be very dangerous. In 2018, a man was seriously injured by one, and in 2019, feral hogs killed a woman in Texas.

6. Timber Rattlesnake

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Length: 3-4 feet

Weight: 3 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 2-4

Why the Timber Rattlesnake Is So Deadly:

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Found in northern Florida, timber rattlesnakes can live in a variety of habitats. They’re especially good climbers and have been seen in trees 80 feet off the ground, so be sure to look up and down to spot them. They can grow up to 5 feet and have dark stripes that form a chevron pattern.

Timber rattlesnakes like to eat animals like mice, squirrels and lizards, and they ambush their prey by camouflaging themselves in a brush and striking quickly. Their large fangs enable them to deliver a high dose of venom that can be life-threatening if, you guessed it, the bite isn’t treated ASAP. But here’s something perhaps you didn’t know: Their rattle is made of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair, skin and fingernails.

5. White-Tailed Deer

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Length: 7 Feet

Weight: 300 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 4

Why the White-Tailed Deer Is So Deadly

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It’s hard to think of Bambi as a killer, but deer are one of the deadliest animals in America. Every year, these seemingly gentle creatures are the cause of over a million vehicle accidents and about 200 fatalities across the county.

In Florida, your chances of colliding with one are roughly one in 831, much greater odds than getting bit by a shark, snake or spider.

4. Puss Caterpillar

Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida

Length: An inch

Weight: 0.01 ounces

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 5-10

Why the Puss Caterpillar Is So Deadly

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The inch-long puss caterpillar may look cute and fuzzy, but it’s one of the most venomous creatures on Earth. Beneath its orange-streaked bristles are toxic spines that can stick to your skin and cause an awful amount of pain. You may also experience headaches, nausea, seizures and low blood pressure. Like other stings, an allergic reaction can send you into anaphylactic shock.

No one has yet died from a puss caterpillar sting, but they have sent several people to the hospital. Eventually, they become the equally fuzzy but also dangerously spiny flannel moth.

3. Eastern Coral

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Length: 20 to 30 inches

Weight: 3 pounds

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 7

Why the Eastern Coral Is So Deadly

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These snakes like to hide in subterranean spaces like basements and cellars and can be distinguished by black, yellow and red bands running around their body. They don’t usually bite unless stepped on, sat on or grabbed (and can you blame them for that?), but be warned if they do strike. They have the second-strongest venom of any snake.

Since they have smaller fangs, you may not even know you’ve been bitten, and it can take hours for symptoms to arise, but warning signs include slurred speech, double vision and paralysis. If left untreated, their venom can cause respiratory failure, but thankfully no one has died from an eastern coral snake bite since an antivenom was created in the 1960s.

2. Southern Copperhead

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Length: 3 feet

Weight: About a pound

No. of annual accidents/deaths: 10-20

Why the Southern Copperhead Is So Deadly

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Copperheads are biters; they bite more people every year than any other species of snake. And unlike others, they don’t warn you before they strike. Luckily their bite, though painful, isn’t typically strong enough to kill a healthy adult. But like with most snake bites, medical attention ASAP is needed, or the outcome could be worse. Versatile creatures, they can be found in swamps, hillsides and the suburbs, basically anywhere where they can get some sun and also seek cover when needed. You may see them when hiking or even gardening in the backyard.

They typically grow to 2 to 3 feet and, interestingly, the longer the copperhead, the longer their fangs. Perhaps even more interesting: When copperheads are touched they let out a smell that resembles cucumbers. But we don’t recommend testing that!

1. Mosquito

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Length: 0.4 inches

Weight: 5 milligrams

No. of annual accidents/deaths: Millions are bitten; thousands develop mosquito-borne diseases and about 10-13 people die every year

Why the Mosquito Is So Deadly

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Thanks to Florida’s humidity and abundance of swamps and waterways, mosquitoes have been synonymous with the state. Most people live with the annoying pests and the itchy bumps they inflict, but mosquitoes are dangerous because of the diseases they carry like West Nile virus, malaria, Zika and Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV).

With its abundance of these tiny terrors, Florida leads the country in mosquito-borne illnesses and deaths. So, it’s always best to use repellent and avoid, drain or cover any standing water.