At first glance, the numbers might sound alarming.
A new study found New York ranks 10th in the nation for total animal-related deaths over the past 26 years. But before you start worrying about your next hike through the Adirondacks, there's an important detail that changes the picture entirely.
New York Recorded 179 Animal-Related Deaths
Outdoor experts at Outforia analyzed data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), examining animal-related deaths recorded between 1999 and 2024.
During that time, New York recorded 179 deaths, placing it 10th among all 50 states. Texas topped the list with 726 deaths, followed by California with 414 and Florida with 346.
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The data includes fatalities involving dogs, other mammals, reptiles, marine animals, insects, spiders, snakes and other venomous creatures.
The Population Makes a Big Difference
While New York ranks high in total numbers, experts say that doesn't mean the average New Yorker faces a higher risk.
Once the data is adjusted for population, New York drops all the way to 46th in the country, with just 3.5 animal-related deaths per 10 million residents over the study period.
That makes New York one of the safest states in the nation when it comes to fatal animal encounters. By comparison, Montana had the highest population-adjusted rate at 23.7 deaths per 10 million residents.
Why the Numbers Can Be Misleading
Researchers say large states naturally tend to record more incidents simply because more people live there.
New York also offers a wide range of outdoor environments, from city parks and beaches to the Catskills and Adirondacks, meaning wildlife encounters vary greatly depending on where you are.
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The study's authors say the raw rankings shouldn't be interpreted as evidence that New Yorkers face an unusually high personal risk.
Simple Ways to Stay Safe Outdoors
Although fatal animal encounters remain extremely rare, experts recommend taking a few basic precautions when spending time outside:
- Check local wildlife alerts before hiking or camping.
- Give wild animals plenty of space and never feed them.
- Keep children and pets close by.
- Avoid reaching into brush, rock piles or other areas you can't clearly see.
- Be especially cautious around unfamiliar dogs and supervise children during interactions.
How the Study Was Conducted
The rankings are based on CDC mortality records collected between 1999 and 2024. Researchers analyzed deaths involving dogs, mammals, reptiles, insects, spiders, snakes, marine animals and other venomous creatures.
Nationally, the CDC recorded 6,080 animal-related deaths during the 26-year period.
While New York may land in the top 10 based on total numbers, the population-adjusted data tells a much different story... a fatal encounter with wildlife remains exceptionally uncommon.