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Top 19 Most Deadliest Animals In Florida

Corn snake
Portrait of a beautiful snake. Image via Depositphotos

Have you ever wondered what the top 19 most deadliest animals are in Florida? I was pretty curious myself. So let’s jump right in together!

#19 American Alligator

Alligator
American Alligator. Image by Donald W DeLoach Jr, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Florida’s iconic reptile, the American Alligator, can deliver a deadly bite. Though attacks on humans are rare, they can happen in certain situations. 

#18 Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)
Head of an eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus). Image via Depositphotos

Found in the wilderness of Florida, the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake possesses a venomous bite that can be fatal if not treated promptly. 

#17 Florida Panther

Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi).
Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi). By U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Flickr, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31364438

The rare and elusive Florida Panther, while usually avoiding humans, can pose a threat if cornered or threatened, making encounters potentially deadly. 

#16 Eastern Coral Snake

Eastern Coral Snake
Eastern Coral Snake. Image by Ondreicka1010 via depositphotos.com

With its red, yellow, and black bands, the Eastern Coral Snake packs a venomous bite that requires immediate medical attention. 

#15 Black Widow Spider

black widow bite
Black Widow spider outdoors on a web. Image via Depositphotos

Common in Florida, the Black Widow Spider carries a potent venom that can be fatal. Especially, potent to the young and older humans! 

#14 Bull Shark

bull shark
Albert Kok, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Generally found in Florida’s coastal waters, the Bull Shark is known for its aggressive behavior and powerful bite, making it a formidable predator. 

#13 Cottonmouth Snake

cottonmouth bite
A Cottonmouth Snake bathing in the sunlight. Image via Depositphotos

Also known as the Water Moccasin, the Cottonmouth Snake inhabits Florida’s wetlands. Evidently, it delivers a bite full of venom. It can lead to serious complications. 

#12 Florida Cottonmouth

cottonmouth bite
Florida cottonmouth snake – Agkistrodon conanti – is a species of venomous snake, a pit viper. Image via Depositphotos

This snake has a venomous bite. It also goes by another name, the Eastern Cottonmouth. Correspondingly, it is often quite aggressive in nature. Thus, posing a threat to humans who cross its path. 

#11 Pygmy Rattlesnake

Pygmy Rattlesnake
Pygmy Rattlesnake. Image by raptorcaptor via Depositphotos

Despite its small size, the Pygmy Rattlesnake has a venomous bite that can cause severe tissue damage. As well as death if not treated promptly. 

#10 Brown Recluse Spider

Brown Recluse Spider. Rosa Pineda, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Brown Recluse Spider. Rosa Pineda, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Brown Recluse Spider, though not native to Florida, has been found in the state and carries a venom that can lead to necrosis and other serious health issues. 

#9 Great White Shark

Great White shark ready to attack
Great White shark while coming to you on deep blue ocean background. Image via Deposit Photos

While rare, encounters with Great White Sharks in Florida waters can be fatal due to the shark’s size and predatory nature. Florida Box Turtle While not considered dangerous to humans, the Florida Box Turtle can carry salmonella bacteria, potentially causing illness if handled without proper hygiene precautions.

#8 Florida Black Bear

Baby Black Bear.
Baby Black Bear. Image by jill@ghostbear.org via Depositphotos

Although normally shy, the Florida Black Bear can become aggressive if provoked. Thus , posing a threat to humans in certain situations. 

#7 American Crocodile

American Crocodile
American Crocodile. By Tomás Castelazo – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5385852

Similar to the American Alligator, the American Crocodile can deliver a deadly bite, especially if humans encroach on its territory. 

#6 Eastern Indigo Snake

Eastern Indigo Snake
Eastern Indigo Snake Image by David Clode via Unsplash

While not venomous, the Eastern Indigo Snake possesses constricting abilities, which can prove lethal to prey and potentially dangerous to humans. 

#5 Yellow Rat Snake

corn snake
Snake wrapped around a branch. Image via Depositphotos

Though their bit does not contain venom, it is painful.  

#4 Florida Scorpion

Scorpion in desert
Scorpion. Image by Leon Pauleikhoff via Unsplash

Found in certain parts of Florida, the Florida Scorpion’s sting can be painful and, in rare cases, may cause severe allergic reactions.

#3 Florida Harvester Ant

Harvester Ants

Despite their small size, Florida Harvester Ants can deliver painful stings, especially when disturbed, making them a nuisance and potential danger to humans.

#2 Florida Manatee

manatee
Endangered Florida Manatee Underwater with Snorkelers in Background. Image via Depositphotos

While not intentionally harmful, collisions with boats are a leading cause of death for Florida Manatees, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants.

#1 The Box Jellyfish

Box Jelly. Image by Rickard Zerpe via Wikimedia – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0

Even though these guys look a little unsuspecting, box jellies have the ability to stop your heart.

Wrapping Up with the Top 19 Most Deadliest Animals In Florida

Baby American Black Bear. Image by MennoSchaefer via Depositphotos

I have never seen a manatee before, it would be an absolute dream come true! I think I may need to visit Florida soon to see one for myself! This is our official list of Deadliest Animals In Florida. If you think there should’ve been other animals included in this list, please feel free to let us know in the comments. Can’t wait to hear from you!

Thank you for following along with this article – 

Next up in the animal kingdom:


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