Louisiana’s 7 Deadliest Animals

Louisiana is known as "Sportsman's Paradise". From wild game to great fishing, our State is teaming with some amazing and diverse wildlife.

So much so that hunters from all around the U.S. travel to Louisiana to experience the best hunting and fishing of their lives.

Along with our incredible wildlife in Louisiana, we've got some pretty dangerous animals lurking around the Pelican State.

Let's take a look at "Louisiana's 7 Most Dangerous Animals".

Louisiana's 7 Most Dangerous Animals

From wetlands, sandy beaches, lakes, bayous, the Gulf, to the massive Kisatchie Forrest, Louisiana has numerous different types of habitats for all kinds of animals, and some of these animals are pretty dangerous.

Worldatlas.com has put together a list of some of Louisiana's most dangerous animals, and we're going to take a look at a few of them here.

1) LIONFISH

Did you know Louisiana has lionfish in the Gulf?

We do, and they have become a real problem for ecosystems.

No one is completely certain as to how lionfish showed up here, but it's widely believed that people who released them from home aquariums in the 1980s.

They are serious predators and, and quite dangerous to humans.

Lionfish have venomous spines and needle-sharp fins that can even penetrate wet suits.

Although not usually deadly, in some cases being stung by a lionfish can be.

According worldatlas.com "in severe cases, extreme side effects from the sting also include severe allergic reactions, shock, necrosis, and infection."

2) BROWN WIDOW SPIDER

Ah yes, the brown widow spider.

Louisiana has more than our fair share of brown widows.

The brown widow is considered to be one of the most poisonous spider in Louisiana.

Although male brown widows do not bite, the female brown widows do and pump you with a neurotoxic venom when they do.

While a bite from a brown widow is less severe than a black widow, in some cases can be fatal if not treated properly.

Symptoms of a brown widow bite include pain and swelling, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and fever.

Worldatlas.com says that "a bite from a brown widow spider is extremely rare and usually happens when a female is accidentally trapped."

3) TEXAS CORAL SNAKE

Texas coral snakes can be found in the central, northern, and south west parts of Louisiana.

What can be tricky about the Texas coral snake is, it actually looks like some other non-venomous snakes in Louisiana.

The phrase "red touch yellow, kill a fellow" should be able to help you positively identify one of these snakes if you come across one.

The Texas coral snake is venomous and dangerous. Usually, Texas coral snakes are not aggressive and will do everything they can to avoid you.

Worldatlast.com says "the venom from this snake is a powerful neurotoxin. Fatal bites from this snake are rare but are capable of causing neuromuscular dysfunction."

4) BUCK MOTH CATERPILLAR

Have you ever come across a buck moth caterpillar?

Have you ever been stung by one?

When I was about 5 my older cousin was stung by a buck moth caterpillar. He almost immediately went into anaphylactic shock and had to be rushed to the hospital.

Buck moth caterpillar has "rows of branched spines that are attached to venom glands" and as WDSU reports, even barely brushing up against one "brings instant pain and swelling."

The thing is, you don't know if you're allergic to buck moth caterpillars until you're stung by one, so just avoid them at all costs.

5) EASTERN COPPERHEAD SNAKE

Eastern copperhead snakes can be found all over Louisiana, especially in the Atchafalaya Basin, Cypress Island Preserve, Kisatchie National Forest, Tunica Hills WMA, and Palmetto Island State Park.

Louisiana's wooded areas and streams are also where you're most likely to see an Eastern copperhead.

Though not usually aggressive, an Eastern copperhead will viciously defend itself if provoked.

So don't provoke them.

6) AMERICAN ALLIGATOR

Obviously, alligators are going to be on this list.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports there are over 2 million alligators throughout Louisiana.

The last thing you want to be a part of is an alligator's Death Roll.

Worldatlas.com says "these powerful reptiles should not be harassed, approached, challenged, or fed. Alligator attacks are rare but have occurred while people are swimming or disrupting their natural habitat."

Alligators do everything they can to stay out of our way, and we should do everything we can to stay out of theirs.

7) APPLE SNAILS

Apple snails are an invasive species in South Louisiana.

They pose a significant risk to Louisiana's economy, environment, and they pose a legitimate health risk.

Apple snails also clog crawfish traps and compete with crawfish for food.

According to agfc.com, apple snails "can carry rat lungworm, a parasite that can infect humans."

You should never touch an apple snail because they can carry parasites and toxins that are harmful to humans.

If happen to eat a raw or under cooked apple snail by accident, the result can be fatal.

As a matter of fact, you are strongly urged to report any sightings of apple snails to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Aquatic Nuisance Species hotline at (225) 765-3977 or email them at quaticinvasives@wlf.la.gov.

Read more over at worldatlas.com.