Here in Oregon, we face some pretty unique dangers. While we love exploring our state’s stunning nature, there are plenty of things that could wipe us out in the wild (and elsewhere). From venomous creatures to deadly natural disasters, here are 12 things that could potentially take you down:
- Hiking
Flickr/SisterMaryEris Oregonians know all too well about the threat of hiking-related accidents. We rank as the sixth most dangerous state for mountaineering deaths, with numerous lives claimed each year.
- Rattlesnakes
Flickr/Jared Tarbell Rattlesnakes are the only species of venomous snake in Oregon, and they can be deadly. If you’re venturing into dry forests and desert areas, watch your step.
- Bears
Flickr/Bess Saddler With around 30,000 black bears roaming around Oregon, encounters between these predators and humans are not uncommon. To be on the safe side, store your food and trash well out of reach.
- Scorpions
Flickr/homie00001 While scorpions are rare in Oregon, you definitely don’t want to run into one of these guys. Getting stung by a scorpion is painful and often requires serious medical attention.
- Earthquakes
Flickr/Thomas Hawk You may have heard that the Pacific Northwest is overdue for a big earthquake. It could hit at any time, and the effects will be devastating.
- Deer
Flickr/Nick Ares Deer may look cute and innocent, but they are responsible for more than 1 million car accidents each year in the United States alone. And, as if that weren’t bad enough, a recent study found that Oregonians are more likely to run into a deer than drivers in Washington and California.
- Poison oak
Flickr/Glen Scott Poison oak is a fairly common plant here in the Pacific Northwest. This plant contains a poisonous oil called urushiol, which can be deadly.
- Wolverine
Flickr/Kitsusi This elusive animal is extremely rare but has been spotted in Linn, Deschutes, and Wallowa counties. While they are small, these creatures are notorious for their viciousness and aggression.
- Sneaker waves
Flickr/Filosoph Unpredictable and often devastating, sneaker waves pose a serious threat on the Oregon Coast. Never turn your back on the ocean.
- Wolves
Flickr/amandarichard421 It’s believed that there are fewer than 150 wolves in Oregon, but these animals can be dangerous if they feel threatened. If you happen to spot a wolf in the wild, steer clear!
- Black Widow Spiders
Flickr/Steve Eek! These famous arachnids need no introduction.
- Bigfoot
Flickr/lindajm Last but not least, watch out for Bigfoot. We hear this mountain creature is not someone you want to mess with.
Scared yet? What do you think is the most dangerous thing about living in Oregon? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.
Flickr/SisterMaryEris
Oregonians know all too well about the threat of hiking-related accidents. We rank as the sixth most dangerous state for mountaineering deaths, with numerous lives claimed each year.
Flickr/Jared Tarbell
Rattlesnakes are the only species of venomous snake in Oregon, and they can be deadly. If you’re venturing into dry forests and desert areas, watch your step.
Flickr/Bess Saddler
With around 30,000 black bears roaming around Oregon, encounters between these predators and humans are not uncommon. To be on the safe side, store your food and trash well out of reach.
Flickr/homie00001
While scorpions are rare in Oregon, you definitely don’t want to run into one of these guys. Getting stung by a scorpion is painful and often requires serious medical attention.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
You may have heard that the Pacific Northwest is overdue for a big earthquake. It could hit at any time, and the effects will be devastating.
Flickr/Nick Ares
Deer may look cute and innocent, but they are responsible for more than 1 million car accidents each year in the United States alone. And, as if that weren’t bad enough, a recent study found that Oregonians are more likely to run into a deer than drivers in Washington and California.
Flickr/Glen Scott
Poison oak is a fairly common plant here in the Pacific Northwest. This plant contains a poisonous oil called urushiol, which can be deadly.
Flickr/Kitsusi
This elusive animal is extremely rare but has been spotted in Linn, Deschutes, and Wallowa counties. While they are small, these creatures are notorious for their viciousness and aggression.
Flickr/Filosoph
Unpredictable and often devastating, sneaker waves pose a serious threat on the Oregon Coast. Never turn your back on the ocean.
Flickr/amandarichard421
It’s believed that there are fewer than 150 wolves in Oregon, but these animals can be dangerous if they feel threatened. If you happen to spot a wolf in the wild, steer clear!
Flickr/Steve
Eek! These famous arachnids need no introduction.
Flickr/lindajm
Last but not least, watch out for Bigfoot. We hear this mountain creature is not someone you want to mess with.
For more terrifying creatures in the Beaver State, check out our previous article: These 10 Bugs Found In Oregon Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine.
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