Vermont’s landscapes are home to a wide variety of wildlife. The state’s natural beauty draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round, but it’s also home to a number of animals that can be dangerous to people and pets. From the giant moose that roam the northern forests to the venomous Eastern Wood Rattlesnake that hides in rocky outcrops, Vermont’s fauna includes species that can cause serious harm. These ten are the deadliest.

Black bear

The American black bear is one of the largest omnivorous mammals found in the forests and mountainous regions of Vermont. With fur that can range from jet black to a lighter brown or cinnamon, these bears are easily recognized by their broad heads, small, rounded ears, and stocky bodies. Black bears in Vermont are found primarily in remote forested areas, particularly in the Green Mountains and along the Appalachian Trail, where they forage for berries, nuts, and insects.

What makes black bears so deadly is their sheer strength and unpredictable behavior when they feel threatened. While attacks on humans are rare, they can be triggered if a bear believes its cubs are in danger or if it is surprised at close range. In such cases, the bear can become aggressive, and its powerful mouth and sharp claws can cause serious injury and death.

Eastern Forest Rattlesnake

The Eastern Forest Rattlesnake is one of Vermont’s few venomous reptiles. It is recognized by its thick, muscular body and distinctive dark crossbars on a yellow, brown, or gray background. These snakes are critically endangered and rarely seen in the state. They typically live in remote, rocky hills, forests, and ledges in southern Vermont, preferring areas that offer plenty of sun for basking.

Despite their elusive nature, timber rattlesnakes are extremely dangerous due to their powerful venom. A bite from this snake can cause severe pain, swelling, and even death if not treated immediately. The rattlesnake’s warning sound is often the first sign of its presence, but if this signal is ignored or the snake feels cornered, it may strike in self-defense. Although deaths are rare with modern medical treatments, the risk of a fatal encounter is real, especially for hikers who may accidentally encounter these camouflaged snakes.

Elk

Moose are the largest animals in Vermont. They tower over the landscape with their long legs, humped shoulders, and huge antlers that can be several feet wide. These animals are commonly found in Vermont’s northern forests, wetlands, and along remote roads, especially in areas like the Northeast Kingdom. Their dark brown coats, long faces, and stature make them an iconic symbol of the state’s wildlife.

Despite their generally calm demeanor, moose are dangerous due to their size. Moose will attack if they feel threatened, particularly during the fall rutting season or when cows are protecting their calves. An attacking moose can easily trample or impale with its antlers, posing a significant danger to humans.

Coyotes

Coyotes are highly adaptable predators found throughout Vermont, from rural areas to the outskirts of the suburbs. They resemble small wolves with slender bodies, bushy tails, and fur that ranges from gray-brown to reddish-brown. Coyotes often hunt in pairs or small family groups.

Coyotes can become a threat, especially if they lose their fear of humans or are protecting a den with young. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and may attack and kill small pets or livestock, especially during the winter months when food is scarce. In rare cases, coyotes have been known to act aggressively toward humans, especially if they are habituated to human food sources.

Bobcat

Bobcats are predators native to Vermont and are distinguished by their short, stubby tails, tufted ears, and spotted fur. These medium-sized wild cats inhabit forests, swamps, and rocky outcrops throughout the state, where they are rarely seen due to their solitary and nocturnal lifestyle.

Although bobcats are not typically aggressive toward humans, they can still pose a danger to pets and livestock. When cornered or threatened, bobcats can defend themselves with sharp claws and powerful bites, which can cause serious injury. In addition, bobcats are carriers of diseases such as rabies and distemper, which can be transmitted to pets and possibly humans. Their agility and strength make them formidable opponents when provoked.

Fishing cat

A member of the weasel family, the fishing cat is found in the forests of Vermont, particularly in the more densely forested areas. Despite its name, the fishing cat is not a cat, but a slender, dark-furred carnivore with a long body and bushy tail. They are highly skilled climbers and hunters, and prey on small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, and even porcupines, making them one of the few predators capable of taking down such prickly prey.

Fisher cats are known for their aggressive behavior and can be dangerous, especially to pets such as cats and small dogs. Their sharp teeth and claws make them fearsome and they often strike without warning. Their high-pitched scream, often heard at night, contributes to their reputation.

White-tailed deer

White-tailed deer are one of the most common and recognizable animals in Vermont. They can be found in forests, fields, and even suburbs across the state. These graceful animals are recognized by their reddish-brown coats in the summer, which turn grayish in the winter, and the distinctive white underside of their tails, which they raise when agitated. Deer are a common sight throughout Vermont and are often seen grazing at dawn and dusk.

Although deer are not aggressive, they are responsible for a significant number of traffic accidents, especially in the fall during the mating season, the rut. These accidents can be fatal, as a collision with an adult deer can cause severe damage to vehicles and result in serious injury or death to the occupants. Although they are not dangerous in the traditional sense, the risks associated with white-tailed deer are nevertheless significant.

Blacklegged ticks

The blacklegged tick, also called the deer tick, is a tiny arachnid found throughout Vermont, especially in wooded areas, grassy areas, and along hiking trails. These ticks are most active from spring to fall, lurking on low vegetation where they latch onto animals or people walking by. Adult blacklegged ticks are about the size of a sesame seed, have a reddish body, and black legs.

What makes blacklegged ticks so deadly is their ability to transmit Lyme disease, a serious and potentially chronic illness. When an infected tick bites, it can transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease into the bloodstream. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a characteristic circular rash. However, if left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious neurological, cardiac, and joint problems.

Porcupine

Easily identified by their sharp quills, porcupines are found in the forests and woodlands of Vermont. These nocturnal rodents move slowly and tend to climb trees in search of food. They feed primarily on bark, leaves, and twigs. Porcupines are well equipped for self-defense, with thousands of sharp quills covering their backs and tails. Their quills lie flat until the animal feels threatened, then they are raised in defense.

While porcupines are not fatal to humans, they can be deadly to pets, especially curious dogs who try to mess with them. A single swipe of the porcupine’s tail can send dozens of quills into an attacker’s skin. These quills are barbed and can dig deeper into the flesh over time, causing severe pain and infection.

Bald-faced hornet

Despite its name, the bald-faced hornet is not a true hornet, but a species of yellowjacket wasp common throughout Vermont. These insects are easily recognized by their black bodies with white markings on the face and chest. They build large, papery nests in trees, shrubs, or under eaves that can house hundreds of workers. Bald-faced hornets are most active in late summer and early fall, when they are particularly defensive of their nests.

Unlike bees, these bald-faced hornets can sting repeatedly and inject venom that causes severe pain and swelling. For people who are allergic to insect stings, an attack by a bald-faced hornet can quickly become life-threatening and lead to anaphylactic shock if not treated immediately. Even in non-allergic individuals, multiple stings can cause significant discomfort and require medical attention. Their nests are often hidden until disturbed, making chance encounters dangerous, especially for outdoor workers or hikers.

Although Vermont is often praised for its wilderness, it’s important to remember that even in this environment, certain animals pose real dangers. Whether it’s the unpredictable aggressiveness of a startled black bear, the silent threat of a black-legged tick that transmits Lyme disease, or the sudden sting of a bald-faced hornet, these animals remind us that while nature can be beautiful, it can also be dangerous. Awareness and respect for the wildlife around us is key to safely navigating the state’s diverse ecosystems.