730,000 of These Deadly Creatures Roam Illinois

If you asked me this question 5 times, I'd probably get it wrong 5 times. What do you think the most deadly creature is in America? If you're like me, it's not what you think it is yet there are an estimated 730,000 roaming Illinois right now.

In case you're wondering, I'm not talking about mosquitos either since that's a popular unexpectedly deadly pest. What animals do you think is responsible for more injuries and deaths than any other in America? Bears? Nope. Moose? Not that one either. Venomous snakes or spiders? Terrifying, but no.

What is the most deadly creature in America?

According to Love Exploring, deer are responsible for 440 deaths and more than 59,000 injuries every single year. Deer Friendly estimates there are at least 730,000 whitetail deer in Illinois based on recent harvesting totals. It makes sense when you really think about it. How many are injured or worse thanks to deer collisions? Too many is the answer. That's made worse by the fact that Illinois has one of the largest deer populations in the nation, too.

Other unexpected "deadly creatures"? Dogs, livestock and hornets are responsible for more injuries and deaths than rattlesnakes or moose or bear. Yes, pests like mosquitos technically kill more in the world because of disease transmission, but that's primarily a problem in third-world countries more than it is in America. Bears have a reputation for being among the most fierce creatures, but bear attacks on humans are very rare. Even mighty predators like bears can't compete with deer for danger to humans. You'll never be able to watch Bambi the same way ever again.