Most Dangerous Animals in Nevada

Nevada is mostly uninhabited—by people, that is. Outside the cities, there are deserts like in Arizona and mountains on par with those in California. Some of the most dangerous animals in the United States live in this untamed state. 

Wild animals in the Silver State can kill or, at the very least, hurt you. There are venomous reptiles, small mammals carrying pathogens, and many other critters carrying a killing potential.   

Here are the ones to watch out for.  

Snakes  

The most venomous snakes in Nevada are rattlesnakes. They live in national parks, along highways, and even in your backyard.   

There are many species of rattlesnakes, and you should know about each one.  

• Great basin rattlesnake: Live in rocky areas with shrubs and brush. It is a venomous pit viper with a distinct pattern of brown, blotchy circles on its back. Found in the north and parts of Southern Nevada.  

• Western diamondback rattlesnake: The biggest rattlesnake in the state. Known for its diamond-shaped pattern and noticeable black and white tail. Found in the rocky and grassy areas of the Mojave Desert.  

• Mojave Desert sidewinder rattlesnakes: Given their small size, Mojave rattlesnakes are the least dangerous snakes in the Mojave Desert. They live in dense vegetation and sandy areas.   

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has an excellent page on how to coexist with these creatures. Another good thing to know is how to deal with snake bites.  

Mountain Lions  

The most important thing to know about these awe-inspiring beasts is that they don’t want to be around people. Cougars (as they are sometimes called) prefer to be alone and will avoid even the sound of people, so be loud and go in groups when entering mountain lion territory. This is a good way to keep away other deadly animals, like black bears. Mountain lions will attack if they feel like a person is encroaching on their territory, are desperate for food, or see an easy-to-snag target like a child or a dog. 

Although attacks from these animals are rare, there is always a non-zero chance of being attacked, so be prepared.   

Gila Monsters  

Gila monsters are fascinating animals. They are both the largest and only poisonous reptile in the United States. A bite from one of these cold-blooded, multi-colored creatures usually won’t kill a person, but it will hurt.   

They attack as a form of self-defense, which makes protecting yourself against them easy: If you see a black reptile with orange, yellow, and pink patches, stay away. If you don’t bother them, they will reciprocate.  

Bark Scorpions  

Bark scorpions are found in Las Vegas and the rest of Clark County. Although they aren’t deadly, they are the most venomous scorpions in North America. A sting from this arachnid can cause severe pain, numbness, and swelling.   

Sometimes, they hide in your shoes; other times, they are found in dark, humid spaces like crawl spaces or garages. If one stings you, immediately clean the puncture with warm water and mild soap, apply a cold compress, and monitor your symptoms over the next few hours. The effects of the sting fade within 24 to 72 hours. If things don’t improve or get worse, seek medical attention.   

Wasps  

You will usually see most animals when you are out in their territory, while some, like raccoons, can adapt to human environments. Wasps are nasty insects that are perfectly comfortable living alongside and bothering people.  

Nevada is home to several species, including the tarantula hawk, yellow jackets, cicada killers, and paper wasps.  

Follow these steps to turn your house into an anti-wasp fortress:  

• Keep it clean by storing all food and not leaving garbage sitting out too long.  

• Patch up any holes in your eaves or other outward-facing parts of your house. Wasps like building nests in attics, wall voids, mailboxes, and any part of your house that goes neglected for too long.  

• Use peppermint oil. It smells good and keeps wasps away. Add a few drops around windowsills, doors, and your garage.   

• Set wasp-specific traps outside your house. They can be purchased at most hardware stores.  

The Advocates Personal Injury Attorneys  

Dangerous animal sightings in Nevada are all too common. In Nevada, it is the smaller, venomous species that pose the biggest threat.  

While dangerous animals are aplenty in this state, people are the biggest threat to you. Car, truck, and pedestrian accidents can burden you and your family. If you or a loved one are experiencing a personal injury due to an animal or person’s actions, then call us. Within minutes, you’ll be able to talk with one of our attorneys. We are here for everyone in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and almost every other Western state.