New York Ranks Among Top States in Animal-Related Fatalities

A CDC‑based analysis of animal‑related deaths in the United States from 1999 through 2024 shows that New York recorded 179 fatalities, placing it tenth in raw numbers among the 50 states. Larger states such as Texas (726 deaths), California (414) and Florida (346) led the list.

When adjusted for population size, New York’s risk drops sharply to about 3.5 deaths per 10 million residents, ranking it 46th nationwide. By contrast, Montana has the highest per‑capita rate at roughly 23.7 deaths per 10 million. Experts note that raw rankings can be misleading because more populous states naturally record more incidents. Overall, fatal animal encounters remain exceedingly rare, and authorities recommend basic precautions like staying alert to wildlife warnings and avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals.

The report, compiled by analysis firm Outforia using CDC data, emphasizes that New York’s high raw rank does not indicate an elevated personal danger for residents or visitors.