Skip to Content

Top 19 Most Deadliest Animals In North Carolina

Black Bear
Black Bear. Image by Alex Dugquem via Pexels.

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

1. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake photographed in Scranton, United States. Image by Anastasia Pirri via Unsplash

Slithering silently through the sandy soils of the coastal plain, the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake holds the title of the largest venomous snake in North America. Best to give it a wide berth. 

2. Cottonmouth

cottonmouth bite
A closeup of a juvinal cottonmouth poses for pictures on a large rock, and keeps a wary eye on his surroundings. Image via Depositphotos

Generally, found in the state’s swamps, the Cottonmouth, also known as the Water Moccasin, packs a venomous bite that can ruin your day. 

3. Copperhead

copperhead snake
Copperhead Snake coiled up on the ground. Image generated by Amy King using Midjourney

Evidently, with its distinctive copper-colored head, this snake is a common sight in wooded areas and suburban neighborhoods alike. Watch your step. 

4. Black Widow Spider

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

Hiding in dark corners and beneath logs, the Black Widow Spider also has a venomous bite that can cause serious discomfort, though fatalities are rare. 

5. Brown Recluse Spider

Brown Recluse, a venomous spider in dry winter grass. Image via depositphotos.

Generally, preferring quiet and undisturbed places like piles of wood and sheds. This Spider’s venom can lead to tissue damage and, in severe cases, systemic effects. 

6. Timber Rattlesnake

Timber rattlesnake resting on rock in Bannerghatta National Park
Timber rattlesnake resting on rock in Bannerghatta National Park Bangalore, India. Image via Deposit Photos

Camouflaged among the leaves of the state’s forests, the Timber Rattlesnake is another venomous serpent to be wary of. 

7. Bull Shark

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

Venturing into the brackish waters of North Carolina’s estuaries, the Bull Shark is an apex predator capable of delivering a formidable bite. 

8. Coyote

Coyote
Coyote Image by karlumbriaco.hotmail.com via Depositphotos

Thriving in both rural and urban environments, the Coyote’s opportunistic nature can pose a threat to small pets and, on rare occasions, humans. 

9. Red Fox

Endangered swift fox in the wild
Endangered swift fox in the wild. Image by jill@ghostbear.org via Depositphotos

Generally, not typically aggressive toward humans, the Red Fox can carry diseases. These include rabies, making encounters potentially hazardous. 

10. Alligator

Alligator
Alligator. Image via Depositphotos

In the southeastern reaches of the state, freshwater habitats host the American Alligator, a powerful reptile with a large reputation. 

11. White-tailed Deer

Columbian White-Tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are a very cute looking species with their large ears. Image by Joe Cox via Unsplash

Responsible for numerous collisions on North Carolina’s roadways each year, the White-tailed Deer can pose a danger to motorists, particularly during the mating season. 

12. Eastern Coral Snake

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

Evidently, with its vibrant bands of red, yellow, and black, the Eastern Coral Snake stands out in its habitat. Thus, providing ample warning to trespassers.

13. Bobcat

bobcat
Bobcat lazily yawning. Image via Pixabay

The elusive Bobcat generally avoids confrontations with humans but may defend itself if cornered or threatened. 

14. Black Bear

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

Encounters between humans and Black Bears are relatively rare, but these powerful omnivores should be treated with caution, especially around food sources. 

15. American Bullfrog

american bullfrog animals in washington
American bullfrog about to leap. Image by Maddy Weiss via Unsplash

While not inherently dangerous to humans, the American Bullfrog’s potential to carry diseases make it a noteworthy inclusion on this list. 

16. Eastern Box Turtle

Box turtle on the move. Image via Depositphotos

Though harmless to humans, the Eastern Box Turtle’s slow-moving nature makes it susceptible to injury from vehicles and other hazards. 

17. Pygmy Rattlesnake

Pygmy Rattlesnake
Pygmy Rattlesnake. Image by raptorcaptor via Depositphotos

The pygmy rattlesnake has a venomous bite and is surprisingly the smallest of all rattlesnakes in the US.

18. Wild Boar

Wild Boar Grows Up Believing She's a Puppy
Wild boar on the forest in springtime. Image via Depositphotos

Introduced to North Carolina centuries ago, Wild Boars can be aggressive when cornered. As well as they have been known to injure humans and pets. 

19. Eastern Moose

A male moose takes a rest in a field during a light rainshower.
Moose are the tallest mammals in North America. Image by Ryan Hagerty – http://www.public-domain-image.com/public-domain-images-pictures-free-stock-photos/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/deers-public-domain-images-pictures/moose-and-elk-public-domain-images-pictures/a-male-moose-takes-a-rest-in-a-field-during-a-light-rainshower.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24856721

While not as common as some of the other entries on this list, the Eastern Moose’s sheer size and strength warrant inclusion as a potentially hazardous species.

Wrapping Up with the Deadliest Animals In North Carolina

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

I have never seen a manatee before, it would be an absolute dream come true! I think I may need to visit soon to see one for myself! This is our official list of Deadliest Animals In North Carolina. 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:

Man Narrowly Escapes Moose Attack in His Yard in Alaska Hippos at Zoo Eating Whole Pumpkins as a Snack Bald Eagle Family Expand Their Nest In California Bear Walks Past Alaska Hikers and They Don’t Move an Inch Man Trains Alligator to Be a Cuddle Buddy