Despite their fearsome reputation, sharks rarely kill humans. Scientists think sharks often mistake humans for seals. Only one fatal shark attack occurs every two years in the U.S., mostly in coastal states.

Cougars, akin to leopards in size, are solitary cats found across various American landscapes. Adaptable and skilled hunters, they favor deer as prey, leaping onto their backs or seizing them by the throat before dragging

Bears, unpredictable and dangerous, cause fatalities annually. Black bears: 5 between 2020-2021, 10 between 2014-2019. Brown bears: 6 deaths 2020-2021. Polar bears: 20 deaths 1870-2014. Grizzlies: 4 fatal attacks in 2021.

Venomous snakes aren't necessarily poisonous; they inject toxins through fangs. Rattlesnake meat is a delicacy. In the US, about five die annually from snakebites, but prompt treatment prevents higher fatalities.

Most spiders are venomous, but only the brown recluse and black widow pose a danger to humans, killing about seven people yearly. They're not aggressive and prefer to hide in dark, secluded places.

Cows may seem docile, but they're responsible for around 20 deaths yearly in the US. Their sharp horns and powerful charges make them surprisingly deadly, especially new mothers protecting their calves.

Pets to predators: Dogs, once tamed, still pose a threat. 30-50 deaths annually in the US. Urban life limits their freedom, leading to stress and aggression. Millions bitten, thousands hospitalized yearly.

Hornets, bees, and wasps are among America's deadliest animals, killing about 56 people annually. Differentiating them can be tricky, but hairlessness, thin waists, and multiple stings characterize hornets and wasps