Iowa’s Most Dangerous Animal is Most Active Now!

Iowa doesn't have wolves, cougars, or bears (at least not normally) so our list of the most dangerous animals always looks kind of interesting. Honestly, there really isn't any surprise to me when I look at the list, and now that I've compiled it, it totally makes sense. So kick back, have a scroll, and soon you'll know that what's really dangerous about Iowa is just kicking into high gear now.

5) Timber Rattlesnake

The timber rattlesnake is one of Iowa's only 4 venomous snakes and is generally found in wooded areas, particularly in eastern Iowa. While bites are extremely rare, they can be dangerous and potentially fatal if untreated. Timber rattlesnakes are found in eastern and southeastern Iowa and are protected by state laws. Their populations have declined by over fifty percent in the past 30 years. Despite their venomous nature, these snakes usually offer noticeable warnings by vibrating their rattles before striking. They even feint bites or strikes, as they would rather use their venom on an actual food source. Good news for us, timber rattlesnakes are generally non-aggressive and prefer to avoid humans. Honestly, much more dangerous is the Cottonmouth but their more southern and western range means they rarely make it into Iowa.

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4) Coyotes

More a nuisance to humans than an actual threat. Cold weather means these beasts will be becoming more and more visible, encroaching on urban areas and homesteads. Iowa's top land predator is an opportunistic feeder. That's why it is a good idea to keep smaller pets indoors, especially at night, and remove easily accessible food options, including unsealed garbage containers. These critters are highly adaptable, so if they begin to show up more often on your property do your best to haze them and make your place undesirable for their needs.

3) Spiders: Brown Recluse & Black Widow

The brown recluse spider is less common but present in Iowa. Its bite can cause necrotic wounds and other serious symptoms. The black widow is less common, but it also has venom that can cause pain and illness, especially in children and the elderly. If you are going to see these guys, unfortunately now is the time as they will be looking for warmer, darker places to overwinter. Remember in most cases these spiders won't bite you unless they feel threatened. If you are worried about them getting in, spray bug barrier around any windows or doors.

2) Mosquitoes & Ticks

Though small, mosquitoes and ticks are vectors for diseases. Mosquitoes in Iowa can carry a variety of viruses, which can lead to severe illness in some people. Ticks, like the deer tick, can carry Lyme disease as well as several other nasty illnesses. Unfortunately, this has become increasingly common in the Midwest. The good news is that most of these guys are now dead or dormant for the winter season.

1) Deer

Though it might be surprising, white-tailed deer are indirectly responsible for the most human injuries and fatalities across our great state, and honestly it makes sense. Iowa has a high number of deer, and they frequently cause car accidents, especially during the fall rutting season, which is going on right now. These collisions can be severe and even deadly.

The fall rutting season makes bucks much more aggressive, active, and less cautious. These big boys will chase the females across roads and travel great distances outside of their natural habitats. This always leads to a rise in deer-vehicle collisions.

Additionally, deer are most active during dawn and dusk, which in fall and winter coincides with peak commuting hours. Shorter daylight hours increase the likelihood of encountering deer on the road in low-light conditions, which can make it difficult for drivers to see them and react in time. Iowa's high deer population, in addition to abundant food sources and ideal habitat, consistently put deer in close proximately to our high-speed roadways.

Deer-vehicle collisions are a significant cause of injury and even fatalities in Iowa, with thousands of accidents reported each year. Most of these incidents occur between October and December. In fact, Iowa is often ranked among the states with the highest rates of deer-vehicle collisions in the U.S. Deer-vehicle collisions cause around 440 human deaths and 59,000 injuries every single year across the United States.

It's important to remember that although deer might not be actively trying to kill you, it seems to be quite easy to hit them using a 2-ton piece of steel with lights and a horn. Even more so than taking them down with a shotgun. So be extra cautious this season as the deer are already lining the roadways and ditches across Iowa.