Jared A. Forrester, a surgeon from Stanford University, who led the investigation into fatalities caused by animals in the US from 2008-2015 says that, “Most deaths aren’t actually due to wild animals such as mountain lions, bears, wolves, or sharks. So, while it’s important that people recreating in the wilderness know what to do when they encounter a potentially dangerous animal, the risk of death is quite low.”
So, if wild animals with sharp claws and teeth aren’t the biggest risk to people in the US, then what is?
Well, if you exclude stinging winged insects for a second, the deadliest animals to humans in the US are those that we have living in and around our homes – and our homesteads. Farm animals – mainly cattle and horses – are actually the biggest killers, being responsible for 576 deaths (36% of all fatalities) in the period, claiming an average of 72 deaths per year.
Dogs were responsible for a little less than half that, coming in third overall with 272 deaths.
For such a beloved animal that makes up a valuable part of so many families, dogs’ inclusion on the list ought to be a wake-up call for everyone, especially for parents: children under the age of four are killed at a rate almost two times higher than the next most vulnerable group (people over the age of 65), and four times higher than other age groups.
While dogs can be deadly, they don’t claim as many lives overall as winged venomous insects of the order Hymenoptera – comprising of bees, hornets, and wasps – the second biggest killer in this study. Stings from these flying insects killed 478 people overall during the study period – 6- per year on average.
This might be shocking, but what’s more shocking is this: since the last time the researchers analyzed this kind of data – covering the period 1999-2007 – the cost of some epinephrine autoinjectors have skyrocketed by more than 400%.
This is a huge issue, since these kinds of treatments are what saves the lives of people who are suffering anaphylactic shock brought on by venomous insect stings. “With an estimated 220,000 annual visits to the emergency department and nearly 60 deaths per year due to stings from hornets, wasps, and bees, effective and affordable treatment for anaphylaxis from Hymenoptera is critical,” the researchers write in their paper.
Therefore, “public health practitioners, policymakers, and the public should encourage the industry to provide proven public health interventions, like the EpiPen, at a socially responsible price point that serves the best interest of the US population.”
Another thing that the research team is calling for is greater awareness of the risks animals at large can cause to people in the US. Although deaths due to animals haven’t risen since the researcher’s last study, they haven't declined either. This is not a good thing, as the team believes that most of these fatalities caused by animals should ultimately be preventable.
In the same period in which dogs killed 272 people, 49 people were killed by spiders, 48 lost their lives to snakes, sharks killed 13 people, and scorpions claimed the lives of just two.
Source: sciencealert
Images: depositphotos
Hammerhead Sharks - Eevolution's Strangest Turn
Around 20 million years ago evolution introduced hammerhead sharks. Why did evolution make such a surprising turn and what makes these sharks so uniqe?
7 Mind Blowing Science Facts School Left Out
Put on your learning caps! We rounded up 7 surprising scientific facts you probably didn't learn at school.
Expand Your Knowledge with These Intriguing Facts
They say those who keep learning stay young. So if you're a keen learner, check out these fascinating facts about history, nature, and a variety of other topics!
Ever Wondered How Hormones Work? Well, Wonder No More...
Ever wondered how hormones work? Well, wonder no more as this informative TED-Ed video explains all!
Whoa! Who Knew this Was the Deadliest Animal in the World?
This video takes a look a look at the animals that are most responsible for human deaths each year. Some of these will surprise you!
Forget Apples! It's an Egg a Day That Keeps the Doc Away...
According to new research, it could actually be an egg a day that keeps the doctor away.Find out more here!
Her Mom With Alzheimer's Didn't Recognize Her, Until...
A loving daughter experiences a moment she thought she'd never have again.
That Time Sinatra Told a True Story About Don Rickles
40 years ago Frank Sinatra appeared on the Johnny Carson show. Unbeknownst to him, Don Rickles surprised him by appearing there, and Sinatra told a funny and true story about the both of them.
The Extraordinary Lives of the Oldest Record Breakers
From marathoners and skydivers to body-builders and pianists, here are some of the world’s oldest record-breakers.
7 Historical Facts That Aren't Actually True
Here are seven well-known history facts we should have never believed.
This Famous Speech is Still Amazing Today!
One of the greatest speeches ever made, for the love of freedom, the love of human beings.
Rare Celebrity Pics from the '90s You Haven't Seen Before
These celebrity photos from the 1990s will make you nostalgic.
These War Machines Were Truly One-of-a-Kind
It’s crazy to think these war weapons actually existed.
15 Lovely Christmas Quotes That Will Fill Your Heart with Joy
These beautiful Christmas are sayings everyone can be thankful for!
13 Geniuses, Who On Some Level, May Have Been a Little Mad
These geniuses may have been smart, but they are incredibly weird too!
8 Infamous Crimes That Left a Mark on History
These true crime stories became so sensational that they changed the culture and went to be remembered in history.
8 Must-Watch Movies for Fans of Mythology and Folklore
Mythology and folklore from around the world have inspired several films, and these are some of the best.
Don't Blink! Korean Magician's INCREDIBLE Sand Illusions
Watch Korean magician Young Min astound judges with his incredible sand magic act.
10 Cool Maps That Show How Much Unpopulated Space There Is
These maps will utterly surprise you when you realize just how unevenly the world's population is spread out. Most of the world is quite free of people!
The Secrets behind Houdini's Greatest Tricks!
Have you ever wondered how Harry Houdini carried out his stunning feats? Well, if you have, wonder no more! All is revealed here!
50 Unknown Facts About Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile
Cleopatra is one of the most fascinating figures from history. And there’s still so many things about her you don’t know yet.
15 Latin Phrases We Use to This Day Without Even Realizing
As an English, speaker you likely know more Latin than you ever thought you did. Just look at these 15 Latin phrases and see if you know what they mean...
9 Unusual Facts You Probably Didn't Know About July 4
There’s still so much you don’t know about America’s Independence Day.
8 Books That Predicted the Future With Strange Accuracy
It always feels eerie when the future is predicted correctly and it turns out literature is full of such accurate forecasts. These 8 novels were particularly spot on.
Language History: The Origins of 7 Common Phrases
Let's delve deep into history and travel all the way back to Ancient Rome to reveal the origins of 7 common food-related expressions in the English language.
If You Knew These English Facts You Must Be a Genius
Yeah, you are fluent in the English language, but do you really know that much about it? We bet we can surprise you with these language facts.
Can You Guess the Meaning of These 20 Common Surnames?
We kind of take surnames for granted, as they are just passed down to us. But every name has an origin and meaning, and some might surprise you.
Ten Reasons Why Japan's Schools Are Spectacular
How is it Japan is so special? Perhaps it is all down to their unique education system. Here are 10 amazing things about Japan's schools you never knew!
May 2024: Largest Ever Flood Hits Brazil
In southern Brazil, relentless rainfall has unleashed a catastrophic flood, claiming at least 83 lives and leaving over a hundred missing.
Want to Fool Your Own Brain? Have a Look at These Illusions
Optical Illusions That'll Make You Doubt Your Eyesight!
10 Things You Didn't Know Were Invented By Native Americans
Learn about some super useful inventions that the Native Americans contributed to the world.
Real-Life Superheroes: Their Stories Will Amaze You
These real-life superheroes deserve recognition!
15 Photographs That Captured Beautiful Moments in History!
History is filled with strange, profound and beautiful moments and peppered with incredible people, and some were vividly captured on camera!
20 Cognitive Biases Ruining Our Decision Making Process
If you find it hard to make a decision, these cognitive stumbling blocks could be what's affecting your behavior.
These Practical Charts Will Make You More Knowledgeable
These charts, maps, and tables cover all kinds of topics - from health and geography to home design and cleaning tips. It’s a goldmine of practical knowledge!
Dance Styles in the 1920 Were So Much FUN!
Enjoy this delightful clip from the movie ‘Don't Knock the Rock’, which shows some groove dance moves from the 1920s.
Wow! Look at the Size of These Massive Fruits & Veggies!
These massive fruits and vegetables could feed you for an entire year!
10 Truly Bizarre Facts About Life in Ancient Rome
Chances are, you would be shocked if you traveled through time and suddenly appeared in Ancient Rome, as these 10 bizarre facts surely prove.
Watch a Thai Chiropractor Fixing a Spine With a Hammer!
Thailand is a country that's known for specializing in many different kinds of massages, but would you dare be massaged by a man wielding a hammer?
These Photos Prove: Time & Angle Make All the Difference!
These fascinating comparison photos highlight what a huge difference time angle can make!
Early 1900s America Captured in Charming Vintage Photos
These vintage photos capture early 20th-century life in America.
These Rare and Riveting Pics Reveal Some Captivating Facts
The world is full of rare and unique things that we may have never seen before. Here is a look at 15 such pictures with fascinating stories.
Flashback: Unfreezing Ice Cream's Delicious Origins
Did you know that even ancient civilizations had ice cream?
Good News Alert! 11 Positive Things You Need to Know About
If you look for good news, you’ll always find it. Here are some wonderful things happening around us right now.
These Photos Prove How Weird Our World Has Always Been
These strange yet intriguing photos depict what our world has gone through in its history.
This Amazing Maze Has Taken the Internet By Storm!
Watch this intriguing video which features a maze of marbles and magnets.
Nostalgic Collection: Click to See the Historical Photos!
Click on any of the photos to be taken to a post full of some of our most fascinating historical photographs.