50 Critters to Avoid this Summer, Part 4 of 5
Bob McNally 08.18.15
It’s summer, and American sportsman are out and about in big numbers. With so many millions of people covering lakes and rivers, tidewaters and oceans, hills and dales, mountains and valleys, accidental encounters with beasts big and small are sure to occur.
Here are some bad boys–and girls–that could ruin an otherwise grand day outdoors. Avoid them at all costs or pay a painful price.
31 – Gray Wolf
Gray wolf populations have boomed in recent years, and many outdoorsmen believe one day they may be as common as black bears throughout much of America. Today, the Rocky Mountain West, Canada, Alaska, parts of the extreme northern Midwest, and Northeast are where they’re prevalent. In packs they are fearsome.
32 – Coral Snake
Several varieties of coral snakes inhabit the U.S., mostly in extreme southern climates. Bites are rare, but are dangerous because the neurotoxic venom is the same as a cobra’s.
33 – Ticks
Ticks are common almost everywhere in the U.S., and their bites are a nuisance and can spread dreaded diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.
34 – Hornets
Hornets have good-size nests, and when disturbed, swarm, attack, and sting. The potential for disaster is great, and they should be avoided when possible.
35 – Hammerhead Shark
No predator is more fearsome looking than a hammerhead shark. This proven man-eater is unpredictable, abundant, and grows huge, commonly weighing 1,000 pounds and growing 15 feet and more.
36 – Coyote
Aahhhh, the little coyote. Chilling to hear at dawn and dusk as they yodel and chase deer. But in big packs, at night, camped outdoors–well–watch your back.
37 – Boa Constrictor
Boa constrictors are popular pets, but when they get too big and owners release them into the wild, they are a potential problem. Plenty of them are found living wild, big and free in South Florida; roaming right beside pythons and anacondas.
38 – Lo Moth Caterpillar
The Io moth caterpillar is another little bugger full of stingers that can be a real pain. Allergic reactions can occur, and medical attention needed. It’s commonly found from Florida and Texas to Canada. It feeds on a wide variety of trees, plants and grass. Leave them alone!
39 – Bees
Every farmer will tell you to, “stay outta the bees.” They make delicious honey, but have the potential to swarm, sting, and send you to an early grave.
40 – Tiger Shark
The beautiful and big tiger shark can eat a man, whole. Even juveniles are dangerous and can take 50-pound bites of meat from a target. They weigh up to nearly a ton, are found worldwide. In the U.S. they are seen from New England through Florida, the Gulf Coast, and California.
