Florida is a hot spot tourist destination. With its white sand beaches, warm weather, and proximity to Disney World, it remains a continued fan favorite spot. However, life isn't always glamorous in the Sunshine State. Sure, they have palm trees and Mickey Mouse, but they also have a host of deadly creatures that reside there as well. Here are 10 of the deadliest animals that live in Florida.
1. Bull Shark
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Lurking in those warm, tropical waters is one of the ocean's deadliest predators, the bull shark. The bull shark is considered aggressive, territorial, and extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, encounters with humans are pretty common in Florida's waters, and these sharks are responsible for a large number of unprovoked attacks.
2. Alligators
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We all joke that alligators are so common that they are like squirrels in Florida. However, their commonality does not diminish their danger. An alligator has mighty jaws and is capable of inflicting serious injury and death on humans. AZ Animals shares that "it is estimated that Florida's alligator population stands at about 1.3 million." That's a lot of gators!
3. Cottonmouth Snake
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When it comes to snakes, the cottonmouth is one of the deadliest. This semi-aquatic pit viper is highly dangerous due to their venomous bite. Outdoor Alabama shares that its venom is "hemotoxic," meaning that "the venom breaks down and destroys blood cells and other tissues and reduces the ability of blood to coagulate or clot."
4. Burmese Python
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Although they are not native to Florida, this does not mean they are not present in the Sunshine State. Additionally, they rank among the deadliest animals in the state of Florida. While they are not venomous, they could still easily kill you. Pythons are constrictors, meaning they wrap themselves around their prey and squeeze until the prey can no longer breathe. Then, they release them and swallow their prey whole.
5. Florida Panther
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Ironically, this animal makes it onto Florida's list of deadliest animals, but we pose a threat to them as well. While the panther is easily capable of shredding you with their sharp teeth and claws, they are considered an endangered species. Many die due to automobile accidents. At the same time, most attacks on people occur only when people trespass into the panther's habitat.
6. Great White Sharks
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Keeping the ball rolling here, bull sharks are not the only deadly fish that reside in Florida's water. The great white also calls the warm coastal waters its home. The movie Jaws did a good enough job explaining to you how and why these sharks can pose a threat to humans.
7. Pygmy Rattlesnake
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Unsurprisingly, we have another snake on the list of deadliest animals in Florida. And here I thought all you had to worry about were sharks and alligators. Although their venom is not as potent as some other snakes, it is still enough to cause you harm, particularly in the case of children and pets.
8. Lionfish
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The more sea creatures that I add to this list, the less likely I am to go into the ocean. This invasive species was introduced to Florida waters and now poses a threat to anyone who comes into contact with its venomous spines. Those spines can cause intense pain, nausea, and even severe allergic reactions in those who are stung.
9. Florida Black Bear
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While black bears may look cute and cuddly, they are pretty dangerous. Although not as big as a grizzly, they are still fully capable of injuring and even killing humans who get too close to them. Between their sharp claws and powerful jaws, a human would not stand a chance.
10. Box Jellyfish
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Finally, last but not least on our list of deadliest animals in Florida, we have the box jellyfish. World Atlas reports that in Florida, the box jellyfish "kills more people than sharks." They are not only deadly in Florida but are also one of the deadliest creatures across the ocean. Their tentacles are full of stings that inject venom that can stop your heart if stung. Some victims never even make it back to shore after being stung.
