Oklahomans spend more time outside in the summer, but the Sooner State’s environment makes it prime for several dangerous animals.
Many of Oklahoma’s deadliest animals are seen in the wild while hiking or enjoying some lakes, yet some can also be found in backyards or just off your front porch.
From brown recluse spiders to the American black bear, Oklahoma’s wilds contain a wide variety of threatening animals.
As we spend more time outside, it’s important to be aware of our surroundings and the dangers of visiting animals’ local habitats. Here are some of the most dangerous animals in Oklahoma and how you can protect yourself from them.
Deadliest spiders in Oklahoma
Two of Oklahoma’s deadliest spiders have a bad reputation everywhere. The brown recluse spider often finds a home inside closets, bedrooms and all over your house. The brown spider can also be found outside the home in storage areas, barns and more.
Meanwhile, the black widow spider remains outside, but often not far from the home. Some can be found around trash cans, low-growing shrubs and wood piles, but they can also be found in the woods around rodent burrows and gas meter housings. Luckily for homeowners, they tend to remain outdoors unless cold or drought conditions begin to form, pushing them closer to buildings.
Both spider bites invoke different reactions and results.
Because brown recluses often live among people, bites can happen when you “roll over on a spider in bed, or when they clean a storage area that the spider is inhabiting,” the Oklahoma State University Extension Office said.
The stinging pain can form a small puss-filled blister within 8 hours, which, without medical attention, could grow to the size of a penny or a half-dollar.
Similarly, a black widow bite is a bite from what is considered the most venomous spider native to North America. The venom can generate very severe symptoms like vomiting and difficulty breathing and cause excruciating pain in a matter of minutes.
The OSU Extension Office recommends seeking medical attention as quickly as possible in both instances.
Most dangerous snakes in Oklahoma
The most common snake in Oklahoma is the Copperhead. Of the 363 snakebites that the Oklahoma Poison Center responded to in 2024, copperhead snakes were the main perpetrators, with 160 bites reported.
Related: How to spot the difference between these different snakes.
The three deadliest snakes in Oklahoma, the copperhead, cottonmouth and rattlesnakes, accounted for 210 of the known snakes, according to the Oklahoma Poison Center. Specifically, Oklahomans must look out for the Western Diamondback and the Timber rattlesnakes.
Though, not as common as the copperhead, both rattlesnakes can grow as large as five feet.
All four different species of snakes can be dangerous if a snake bite goes untreated. If you get bitten by a venomous snake, immediately call 911 and head to the nearest emergency room. Most hospitals have antivenom drugs and can advise you on how to proceed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is not recommended to use any “home remedy” to lessen the effects, as they can actually get worse.
Oklahoma’s mammals: look out for bears
In 2024, the black bear returned to Oklahoma after a decade away. This homecoming-like return brought back an estimated 26 black bears to the Panhandle, even though they are believed to be mostly in the southeastern region of the state.
Because of their typical cycle, encountering black bears is more common in June and July as they head out for mating season.
Related: What brought the black bear back to Oklahoma? Here’s why they’re back.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Department said that anyone living east of Interstate 35 could encounter black bears as they head into their peak seasons. However, the OWD says the bear is more nocturnal than active during daylight hours, as it often forages for food at night.
Experts say never purposely feed wild bears, and always keep garbage in sealed containers and pet food out of the reach of bears to minimize the chances of attracting them.
If you spot a bear, they also recommend not turning and running, rather standing facing the bear and retreating slowly while making yourself seem as big as possible.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: These are the 7 deadliest animals in Oklahoma: How to avoid this summer