Photos: 25 ways Florida could kill you


WHAT: Hurricanes - Florida finds itself in the path of hurricanes every year. With a long coastline and low elevations, hurricanes pose a serious threat.

WHAT: Sharks - By July 1, 2015, there have been 11 shark attacks in Florida, higher than any other U.S. state

WHAT: Oysters - When eaten raw, certain health risks arise especially Vibriosis, an intestinal disease caused by small bacteria.

WHAT: Bears - Bears have been a growing problem in Florida. The state brought back bear hunts to control the population.

WHAT: Coral Snakes - Though bites and fatalities are very rare, this venomous snake calls Florida home.

WHAT: Mosquitoes - Mosquito-born diseases are not uncommon in Florida including malaria and yellow fever reported from time to time.

WHAT: Copperheads - While not common and seen mostly in the panhandle of Florida, this venomous snake's bite requires medical treatment.

WHAT: Wild boars - Wild boar can be aggressive when cornered and some have tusks up to 6-inches long.

WHAT: Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes - An urban legend claims that a 15-foot Eastern Diamondback was found in Florida. Though later proven to be false, this deadly snake can grow to 8 feet in length.

WHAT: Black Widows - Black Widows are common across the United States. Four species of widow spiders are in Florida: southern black widow, the northern black widow, the red widow, the brown widow.

WHAT: Florida Panthers - There has never been a fatal attack by a Florida Panther, but they are known to attack small animals including dogs and cats.

WHAT: Lionfish - The invasive Lionfish sting burns for hours and are common in Florida waters

WHAT: Lightning - Florida has more lightning per square mile than any other state

WHAT: Naegleria fowleri (a brain eating parasite that causes the rare brain infection is most often found in warm freshwater)

WHAT: Water Moccasins (Cottonmouths) - This venomous snake makes its home in the water. Though considered a shy snake, it's bite is quite serious and sometimes deadly.

WHAT: Sting Rays - The Atlantic Stingray is often stepped on by the occasional beach goer in Florida.

WHAT: Sinkholes - Sinkholes are very common in Florida. Most of the state is made up of limestone and dolostone which dissolve with the transmission of ground water.

WHAT: Non-native Pythons - Non-native Pythons are reportedly taking over the Everglades. While there is no immediate risk to humans, some have been found to grow up to 18 feet long.

WHAT: Wildfires - Often tied to Florida's many lighting strikes, wildfires are not uncommon.

WHAT: Africanized Bees - Africanized honey bees have made their way into the state of Florida. They are known for guarding the hive aggressively, with a larger alarm zone around the hive.

WHAT: Tornadoes - Florida is the third in the nation for tornadoes.

WHAT: Portuguese Man-of-War - This jellyfish has stinging, venom-filled tentacles that can lead to fever, shock and sometimes death

WHAT: Fire Ants - Fire ants are notorious for their painful, burning stings that result in pustules and intense itching.

WHAT: Rip Currents - Florida has some of the deadliest rip currents in the country, killing more people yearly than thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes combined.

WHAT: Alligators - Alligators inhabit Florida's marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes and can be found in every county in the state
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