So, what wild critter, in modern times, is responsible for more human deaths than anything else? 

There was a time when bears, wolves, venomous snakes, sharks, mountain lions, scorpions, spiders, and other wild predators had “Humans” on their menus. Native peoples often had to fight for their lives when dealing with wild critter attacks. Predators are opportunistic killers, especially when hungry. Some predators, like wolves, can work together in packs to bring down big game, and humans. 

Lone hunters dealing with an elk or tagged harvest have been attacked and killed by Grizzly bears. Joggers, bikers, and fishermen have been attacked and killed in modern times. Finding yourself between a mama bear and their cubs usually ends badly. Cow moose are also very protective of their calves and personal space. 

Modern predators are adapted to be efficient killers. They need to feed and survive too. Small children, pets, and old/injured people can be quickly dispatched and eaten. Fangs, teeth, hooves, antlers, horns, and claws can do serious damage to a soft tissued human. 

Sadly, other humans are terrible predators to people. Murderers, terrorists, serial killers, and drunk drivers have taken their toll on thousands of humans annually. Drug dealers and other harmful people can guarantee a cruel death. 

So, what animal is the number one killer of humans? 

Deer are the number one killer of humans in North America. Over 200 humans are killed annually, usually in automobile impacts. Many more people are injured during these collisions. Whitetail Deer bucks can be 250 or more pounds. Mule deer bucks weigh over 300 pounds. Moose and elk can be nearly 1,000 pounds. That’s a lot of mass to roll into your windshield.  A few people are injured by rutting or protective deer assaults. Hooves quickly break bones and slash the skin. Antlers are also deadly.

If we look worldwide at human deaths caused by critters, Mosquitos would be #1. Malaria and Dengue Fever are deadly diseases that kill ¾ of a million people annually. 

Bees, wasps, and hornets quickly cause anaphylactic shock in humans. This means 60-70 deaths a year in America. Dogs, feral critters, and pets account for 30-50 human deaths a year. 

Next is livestock. Horses, cows, bulls, pigs, and other domesticated farm critters can kill. Spiders, snakes, bears, cougars, alligators, sharks, and scorpions round out the critter causes of human death. 

Oh Deer!

Montana Grant