Dangerous flora and fauna by state

You should know how to identify bear scat.

You will see the bells in it.

While some folks are making light of the question - it IS good to know what you face in different states. In our case, going from Michigan (biggest danger: ticks and mosquitoes) to Florida, has been eye-opening. Granted, most of the Florida creatures that can kill you are somewhat reclusive (the 12' alligator that moved into our pond has behaved himself so far) - it's still good to know which beaches are suffering from Red Tide, for example. Or that there's a flesh-eating bacteria that can lurk in inland lakes. Or the brain-eating amoeba.... and never forget the Fire Ants.

I guess the best source would be to google "dangerous plants" or "dangerous animals" or "toxic threats" and include the state(s) you plan to visit.

You know you just can't worry about either dangerous flora or fauna cause you will never leave your rig. We have bears here in Washington and I've lived here since the 1980s and can count on one hand the bears that I have seen and none of those encounters were more that just a sighting. The only flora that can really get you here is a nuisance, rather than a killer (unless you eat the pretty mushrooms). When you go to most national, state, county campgrounds, if you read the notice boards, they will tell you about any dangers that might exist and how to protect yourself and you can always ask the rangers. In my whole camping experience the only wildlife experience I had was a chipmunk came into our rig

punomatic wrote:

4X4Dodger wrote:
Just GO! and stop worrying. You wont have any problems with dangerous animals much less plants.

If you are in National Parks just follow the rules and you will be fine.

Just thinking about all the stories I have heard about scorpions crawling into shoes and rattlesnakes crawling into sleeping bags and brown recluse spiders in woodpiles, etc. Here in western Oregon, we have very few poisonous critters, outside of bees and wasps. I realize most critters are more afraid of me than I am of them, but I'd just like to know if there are some of those guys I need to take special precautions for.

I grew up in SOCAL on the edge of the desertand camped in the desert much of my youth, I have traveled every state of this country more than once and some many times. I have lived where there are truly dangerous animals. Think Cobras, Green Mambas and scorpions that KILL you. Tigers and yes the occasional charging elephant.

After long term living in Africa, Asia, SE Asia, and visits to India and Sri Lanka I can tell you with confidence that here in the US you have very little to worry about.

There are dangerous animals but yoou are most likely to encounter them in our parks system...just follow the rules and you will be fine.

As for Rattle snakes and scorpions in your sleeping bags and shoes. It has never happened to me...but I dont leave them on the floor of my tent in those areas...I hang them up. But even at that the chances are truly slim...

Well, you better be on the lookout for this plant.

Feed Me Seymour!

MaverickBBD wrote:
We inquire locally along with storm shelter location in areas that are prone.

I like this one. A little local knowledge goes a long way. DW always likes to stop at the hardware store when we stay in a small town. She can learn a lot about the people by what is for sale in the hardware store. She also asks about where the locals go to eat. Then we eat at the diner of choice, instead of the fancy restaurants.

Thanks to all for your replies. They are very helpful. :)

Don't try walking my yard. Rattlesnakes, Scorpions, Gila Monsters abound

Gila monsters-how cool is that! :)

The most dangerous creature you will encounter will be other drivers.

X2 in this area. However, while others think you are paranoid, I understand your concern. Don't go overboard, but a little education doesn't hurt. Hubby's slight brush with fire coral is a good reason why. I live in an area where there is very little to worry about but I would caution you about ticks. They are EVERYWHERE and Lyme disease can be an issue. Wear light colored clothing and check yourself (or better yet, follow the advice in Brad Paisley's song "Ticks" :B) at the end of the day.

Wow! Hearing about all these 'scary' things kind of makes you want to stay home and lock the door! Guess we've been lucky...really never thought about it. Just use common sense in where you walk and where you put your hands.

Get a weather alert for severe weather,tornados ect.

We inquire locally along with storm shelter location in areas that are prone.