What are the most dangerous animals and insects found in Illinois?

A big state like Illinois has a diverse wildlife population full of spiders, snakes, and the occasional wandering black bear

(Pete Nuij/Unsplash)

Florida has alligators and sharks, Alaska has grizzly bears, and in Arizona, you might see a deadly scorpion; but you don't generally think of the Midwest state of Illinois as home to dangerous predators.

Before you get too worried, death by wild animal is extremely rare in Illinois. Although some of these critters can cause a painful bite or sting.

Striped bark scorpion

Striped bark scorpion(Charles & Clint/CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons)

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Illinois is home to a species of scorpion called the striped bark scorpion.

However, don't panic on your next wildlife outing as the IDNR says, "the bark scorpion is rare in Illinois. Their small size and reclusive habit make it even less likely you’ll ever encounter one in the wild."

They are typically found outdoors in wooded areas but when they make their way into people's homes, they are attracted to water and are often discovered in sinks and bathtubs.

If you do encounter one, you should know the venomous sting from this little scorpion is painful and will cause the wound to swell and turn red. But they are not known to be lethal unless you have allergic sensitivities.

Black widow and brown recluse spiders

Brown recluse spider(courtesy of IDPH)

Though they might make you squeamish, most spiders are harmless to humans and are considered beneficial creatures to the ecosystem. However, in southern Illinois, you need to watch out for two spiders that can have a toxic bite.

Brown recluse spiders are shy and will not seek out a human on purpose. But if they get trapped between your skin and your clothing or bedding, they will bite.

According to the IDPH, the brown recluse has a worse reputation than its actual bite. Most of the time, a bite from a brown recluse won't cause lasting damage, but you will be left with a painful, red area that takes eight weeks to heal.

Black widow spiders like to build their webs in out-of-the-way locations, so bites from the black widow are pretty rare. Though rare, it can be deadly in some instances. It's most dangerous to children and people with weakened immune systems.

A female black widow spider bite can cause muscle tightness, chest pain, cramping, and swelling in the extremities. Symptoms can go on for weeks.

Venomous snakes

Timber rattlesnake(Courtesy of IDNR)

There are four types of snakes in Illinois that can cause harm to humans. The copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, and massasauga. These snakes are mainly found in the southern part of the state.

Fortunately, these snakes are not aggressive to people and snakebites in Illinois are very rare, although bites can cause tissue and nerve damage.

Black bears, cougars, and mountain lions

There aren't native populations of black bears, cougars, or mountain lions currently living in Illinois. But that doesn't mean they aren't sighted wandering through the state.

As recently as last week, a black bear was spotted making its way through southern Illinois. It's probably a young male bear just passing through as he searches for a mate, according to IDNR spokesperson Tim Schweizer.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito(Егор Камелев/Unsplash)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls the mosquito "the world's deadliest animal." Worldwide, mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases such as dengue, malaria, and Zika. Over 400,000 people die of malaria throughout the world each year.

Here in Illinois, we don't need to worry about malaria. However, mosquitoes in Illinois can carry West Nile virus. The illness can cause fevers, body aches, rashes, and even death. In 2020, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported 28 human cases of West Nile and one death.

IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike reminded the public, “It’s important for everyone to continue taking precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeve shirts and pants, and staying indoors between dusk and dawn.”

Ticks

Deer tick(Erik Karits/Unsplash)

Like mosquitoes, ticks can carry nasty diseases, including Lyme disease. Lyme disease can cause symptoms that linger for weeks, months, and even years. Some of the symptoms include pain and numbness in the arms and legs, brain fog, severe headache, and fever.

Fortunately, Lyme disease is effectively treated with antibiotics when caught in the early stages. If you have a tick bite followed by a ring or red rash around the area, or other symptoms, you should see your doctor to get tested for Lyme disease.

Deer

Deer(Nathan Dumlao/Unsplash)

No, they aren't a deadly predator, and they don't want to cause any harm to humans. But deer can be dangerous when they dash across the road and make contact with your car.

Peak times for deer collisions occur October through December and again in May and June. In 2019, the Chicago Tribune reported, "Vehicle collisions with deer killed eight people in Illinois and injured 630 last year."

Follow me to see more articles like this.

...

Follow

This is original content from NewsBreak’s Creator Program. Join today to publish and share your own content.