Oh, South Carolina, we all think that you are an amazingly beautiful and terrific state, but there are a few things here that just don't like to play nice with us. Although we don't see these things as grounds for moving (the grass is not always greener on the other side), we do think you should rethink a few of these things so we can get along a little better. Here are 17 terrifying things in South Carolina that can, and just might, kill you.
1. Driving in South Carolina is a dangerous game.
South Carolina has been ranked #1 in the nation for worst drivers, so it's not really a joke that you could be seriously hurt just driving around here.
2. Being bitten by a Black Widow.
Surprisingly, this spider is not responsible for many deaths nationwide - or in South Carolina for that matter. Most spiders try their very best to stay away from humans; however, it is a very dangerous and deadly spider that, at times, finds its way in our paths and we are much worse for the encounter.
3. Speaking of spiders, you could also get bitten by the Brown Recluse.
As you can see, they can leave some nasty wounds behind, but they can also be more lethal than this to humans. This person is lucky.
4. Rattlesnakes and/or other poisonous snakes can be the death of you.
Although not a very common thing to happen, with the amount of poisonous snakes we have in South Carolina it can be a possibility. It's usually the unfortunate ones that find their way into our homes or close to our homes that become the problem.
5. The summer heat/humidity can definitely be a deadly combination.
I joke about it feeling like your skin will melt off some days when you are out in the summer sun, but many people have succumbed to the heat and humidity here in South Carolina. You definitely have to take precautions.
6. Deer collisions are no joke.
In South Carolina, 1 in 137 people each year have an accident involving a deer. Most of the time people get out of an accident with only slight damage, but there are times when the opposite happens.
7. Falling out of a deer stand can produce more than a few bumps and bruises.
Whether it is from a misstep, being tired, or any other number of things, people who fall out of deer stands can sustain traumatic injuries and some of them can't be fixed with hospitalization. Lucky are the ones who fall and walk away with quite a story to tell.
8. Deer hunting in general can be quite dangerous indeed.
How many times have you heard the story: someone thought they were shooting at a deer, but it wasn't a deer at all? It does happen. I'm not saying that it happens often, but there have been times.
9. Cheering for an out-of-state football team could be the end of you.
Come on...I had to break up the seriousness somewhere in here, but then again you never know. South Carolina takes their teams pretty seriously.
10. If you like to forage for your own foods, you might be inviting danger.
There are those of us who like to go out into nature and forage for our own foods. It gives us a sense of accomplishment. Unfortunately, there are times when two plants or fungi mimic each other and it is hard to tell which is which. For example, you might think that the above are the yummy and hearty oyster mushrooms, but you would be wrong. These are inedible woodland mushrooms. South Carolina has a lot of forests and a lot of naturally occurring foods in the wild. Just be extra careful when going out to forage, and take a field guide with you.
11. Getting bitten by a mosquito is no longer just a nuisance.
South Carolina is a prime breeding ground for these pests and unfortunately, they bring their own host of problems other than itchy bites.
12. Don't go swimming in that water without looking first.
Death by alligator is almost unheard of here, but let's face it...it is a possibility. Alligators tend to stay away from humans. We are noisy creatures, but they do get hungry and you could just cross the path of one that is having a bad day.
13. Sharks are a definite force to be reckoned with.
Unlike alligators, sharks seem not to mind splashing water and noisy humans - although they don't like the way we taste. The past year has shown us that sharks should definitely be on a list of things to be aware of when getting into the ocean.
14. Be aware of black bears.
Although attacks on humans are quite rare, they do happen. You mostly have to worry about them if you live in the Upstate; however (and that's a big however) black bears have been found all the way in the low country of South Carolina so there is no definite "off limits" region for these animals.
15. Hurricanes are not to be ignored.
If there were one hurricane that taught us this fact, it would be Hugo. Although there were others, this is the one that sticks out the most to me.
16. Tornadoes will not pick you up and take you to Oz.
No...these tornadoes can be quite deadly and the worst part about these types of things? They come out of nowhere, hit anything and everything, and leave again.
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17. Last, but not least...the South Carolina woman.
Okay, it's a bit of a joke, but we are one tough lot. Men may think we will be the death of them, but only because we can out shoot them and still look good in heels!
We shouldn't have to go about our day worrying over every one of these. This list is just a reminder that we should be aware of our surroundings at any given moment. Do you think we missed something else that could be quite important? Please, if so, let us know in the comments below.
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