Did you know the density of dangerous animals in Wisconsin is among the highest in the nation? It’s true. However, it’s not just bears and wolves that are lurking in the woods. Turns out, predators in Wisconsin come in all shapes and sizes in the Badger State. Take a look:

1. White-Tailed Deer
tuchodi/Flickr
Generally, white-tailed deer are far from the most dangerous animal in Wisconsin. However, the real danger occurs when people and deer collide on roadways, which is somewhat common in the Badger State. State Farm claims the odds of a human-deer collision in Wisconsin are 1 in 77!
2. Ticks
Joshua Mayer/Flickr
The American dog (a.k.a. wood) tick and the black-legged (a.k.a. deer) tick are commonly found in the Badger State. And though tiny, ticks are mighty frightening, as they spread a slew of life-threatening and chronic diseases, including Lyme disease, which is currently the most common tick-borne illness in Wisconsin. What’s more, tick-related diseases caused at least 10 deaths between 2015 and 2018.
3. Mosquitoes
Tom/Flickr
Not just a nuisance, mosquitoes can transmit a myriad of diseases, including the West Nile virus, which, in 2017, caused the deaths of four Wisconsinites. The pesky insects also spread La Crosse encephalitis. Though most show no symptoms, severe cases can include seizures, coma, and paralysis.
4. Bears
djvass/Flickr
No list of dangerous animals would be complete without bears, which are among the state’s largest wild predators. However, as it turns out, the likelihood of being attacked or killed by a bear in Wisconsin is extremely low. In fact, the last recorded "bear attack" was in 2017 in Florence County. The USDA states that most bear attacks in the state are the result of a dog and bear coming in contact with one another and a human intervening to save their pet.

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5. Wolves
rusty_dragonfly/Flickr
Recently removed from the federal Endangered Species List, the gray wolf is back in full force in Wisconsin. But unlike the Big Bad Wolf we’ve heard about in fairy tales, wolves are rarely aggressive toward humans – a fact only confirmed by USDA records, which indicate there hasn’t been a wolf attack on a human in Wisconsin in modern history. Furthermore, there have only been a handful of attacks in all of North America, most of which occurred when humans were feeding wolves, which is why it’s best to keep a safe distance.
6. Brown Recluse Spiders
Eje Gustafsson/Flickr
Brown recluse spiders are pretty rare in the Badger State; however, that didn’t stop the creepy crawlers from making headlines in 2018, after biting a few people in Chippewa Valley. Aside from the brown recluse, Wisconsin is home to only one other venomous spider – the black widow.
7. Rattlesnakes
Adam Baker/Flickr
Rattlesnakes in Wisconsin?! Yes, it’s true. Two species – the timber rattler and the eastern massasauga – are native to the Badger State. Luckily, you can easily avoid them since both are typically found in the southwestern portion of the state. On top of that, sightings are rather rare. And if you do come across one, rest assured – though they’re venomous, they’re certainly not the deadliest animal in Wisconsin.
8. Cougars
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Though the cougar is native to Wisconsin, hundreds of years of hunting have greatly reduced the population. Today, cougar sightings are rare, but they have been a bit more common in recent years. Should you come across one, the DNR suggests slowly backing away from the cougar while simultaneously keeping an eye on it.

For more information about wildlife in the Badger State – including dangerous animals in Wisconsin – please visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website. 

So, did you know these animals resided in the Badger State? Have you ever encountered any predators in Wisconsin? Have an animal to add to this list? Tell us in the comments section. On a more positive note, don’t forget to nominate your favorite places to view wildlife in Wisconsin! Your suggestions may be featured in an upcoming article.

An array of dangerous animals in Wisconsin isn’t the only risky thing about life in the Badger State. Check out our previous article to read about the biggest risks Wisconsinites face.

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More to Explore

Wildlife In Wisconsin & Related Info

Katie Lawrence | January 04, 2023

Where can I find the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Wisconsin?

Some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Wisconsin can be found at the following locations:

  • Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area, Park Falls

Spanning 37,000 acres and encompassing a variety of different wildlife habitats, Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area houses over 150 species of birds as well as reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.

  • Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Trempealeau

This national wildlife refuge is located along the Great River Road and features a number of migratory bird species.

  • Buena Vista Grasslands Wildlife Area, near Wisconsin Rapids and Plover

A designated Important Bird Area, the Buena Vista Grasslands Wildlife Area is home to short-eared owls, sandpipers, and the largest remnant population of greater prairie chickens in Wisconsin.

Visitors can marvel at over 15 different crane species at this international nonprofit.

  • Buffalo Overlook, Oneida

A viewing platform allows visitors to observe the large buffalo herd that roams here.

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this 185-acre destination features birds, amphibians, reptiles, and more.

What types of wildlife does Wisconsin have?

Types of wildlife in Wisconsin include:

  • Birds - Bald eagles, waterfowl, grouse, snowy owls, swans, etc.
  • Fish - Catfish, bass, salmon, trout, lake sturgeon, and more
  • Amphibians and reptiles - frogs, snakes, lizards, turtles, salamanders, etc.
  • Mammals - bats, bears, cougars, white-tailed deer, elk, wolves, furbearers, and more
  • Insects - bumblebees, butterflies, etc.

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