Three Minnesota Animals to Fear & The Three You Shouldn’t

With summer coming, plenty of Minnesotans are going to be spending more time outside. For friends and family who are coming from out of state, it can be a little overwhelming when they get outside the cities. You might have to let them know what animals they shouldn't be afraid of, and what ones they probably want to actually stay away from. Here are 3 animals in Minnesota to not worry about, and 3 you should steer clear of if possible.

Three Minnesota Animals Not To 'Fear'

If you are out camping, there are some animals that call Minnesota home that look frightening or dangerous, but really don't want anything to do with you.

Wolves

Wild wolves rarely see humans as prey. In Minnesota, there’s basically no modern record of healthy wild wolves attacking people. If you see one, it’s a rare and cool moment, and not a dangerous one.

Black Bears

They look intimidating, but black bears in Minnesota are usually shy and will bolt if they hear or smell you. Most “encounters” are just them raiding bird feeders or garbage. Actual attacks are extremely rare.

Moose

They’re huge and look prehistoric, but they’re not hunting you. Most moose just want to eat and be left alone. That said…don’t get close, especially during the rut.

Three Minnesota Animals That You Probably Want To Avoid

The next three animals are ones you want to avoid, if possible. Some are almost unavoidable during the summer months.

Deer

Deer cause way more injuries than predators—mostly through car accidents. During the fall, bucks can get aggressive. They’re the most dangerous animal in the state statistically.

Ticks

Tiny, but a real problem. Minnesota has high rates of Lyme disease thanks to blacklegged ticks. You won’t see them coming, and they’re far more likely to ruin your summer than any large animal.

Geese

If you've ever been to downtown Rochester, these things are everywhere, and they aren't friendly, especially in the springtime. Canadian geese can be dangerous, particularly during nesting season. While they rarely cause severe injuries, their charges, hisses, and wing strikes can break bones or cause falls.

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Relax in the woods, but maybe check your legs and watch the road.

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