The Most Dangerous Animals in Texas

Texas is a big state with lots of wildlife including some dangerous animals. I will list the most dangerous animals in Texas and what makes them a potential threat. You can also check out my article on poisonous snakes in Texas with this link. I won't mention the snakes in my most dangerous animals in Texas article since I already covered them elsewhere.

Insects

Ok insects are not really animals but Texas has its share of dangerous insects such as Fire Ants, a variety of bees and wasps plus scorpions. All of these can be dangerous to people who are allergic to them, and painful to those who are not. For more information on dangerous insects in Texas, check the sources at the end of this article.

Deer

You may not think that Deer are dangerous in Texas or anywhere else but they can be due to two aspects. One an injured or scared deer may indeed attack people and can do serious damage. But the big reason Deer are dangerous is by causing accidents on highways. Always watch for Deer in lowlight conditions and be prepared for them to turn around and run right back in front of your car if they cross once.

Coyotes and Wolves

Coyotes have to be on the list of the most dangerous animals in Texas. While Coyote attacks on humans are rare they do occur and a pack of them can kill an adult and very easily kill a child. Coyotes also have been known to mate with domestic dogs and create Coydogs which are aggressive and don't fear humans. Another good reason to have your dog spayed or neutered.

There are Wolves in Texas but they very rarely attack humans but are a possible threat to livestock and pets.

Alligators

Texas has a population of Alligators which may be more of a threat to pets than humans, but you don't want to be careless where a Gator may be found. They are often hard to spot when laying still.

Mountain Lions or Cougars

Cougars are possibly the most dangerous animal in Texas. This site has a list of things about what to do in you encounter a Cougar. The most important is to fight back and not play dead. Cougars are somewhat delicate and have no interest in a fight that could injure them. They also advise you not to feed deer or other wildlife as a Mountain Lion may come around your home trying to get the deer.

Feral Hogs

Wild or feral hogs make my most dangerous animals in Texas list. They are very destructive to property and are very aggressive towards humans at times. It is estimated that there are over two million feral hogs in Texas.

Sources

Poisoncontrol.org

Windstar.org

Article on feral hogs in Texas