Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees, despite their strength, have not caused the most fatalities in recent U.S. history. Their complex cognition and natural hierarchies make it difficult to predict their reactions to novel situations, and their behavior may change unexpectedly, especially if they escape unfamiliar people.
Bears
Bears are listed above big cats due to their intelligence, dexterity, and omnivorous nature. They can break into homes and cause significant public concern. Black bears are commonly kept as pets and are responsible for most fatal attacks on humans. However, the scarcity of larger bears may contribute to their lack of fatal statistics.
Big Cats
Big cats, unlike smaller exotic cats, can eat people, providing exciting news stories when they attack or maul their caretaker, with the news media never missing a beat reporting on it.
Venomous Snakes
Front-fanged venomous snakes, also known as 'hots', are highly dangerous due to their indiscriminate bites and the need for experienced handlers and mentors.
Elephants
Elephants can cause harm by accident, so only professionals should handle them. Despite a vegetarian lifestyle, they have been known to intentionally kill trainers. AZA zoological facilities now require protected contact, while circuses use traditional bullhook handling. Private elephants are rarely kept, but no fatalities have occurred in recent cases.
Wolfdogs
Wolfdogs may be more dangerous than wolves when owned as pets due to their independent nature and loss of fear. Wild wolves respond well to subordinate positions, reducing bite tendency. Domesticated dog behavior can create unpredictable animals, but genetics vary, making it difficult to determine which ones have problematic behaviors.
Large Constrictor Snakes
Despite their popularity, large snakes, including Burmese, reticulated, African rock python, anaconda, and boa constrictors, kill an average of one human annually in the United States.
Old-World Monkeys
Large monkeys have canines that can cause serious injury, and their spontaneous tantrums can surprise first-time owners. Black-capped capuchin monkeys are considered the best pet monkey, used by Helping Hands for disabled people training. Old-world monkeys carry most non-human primate zoonotic diseases, which pose a health threat to humans.
Alligators
Alligator attacks are rare, with all fatalities from wild animals. Alligators are easier to surprise and do not chase humans, so it's unlikely they will sneak into homes and eat children.
Crocodile Monitor
Herp enthusiasts often purchase large, carnivorous reptiles, such as monitors, which grow to 8-12 feet in captivity and require large caging. These high-strung animals can cause bites, finger amputations, and deep tissue wounds due to their serrated teeth and strong jaws. Their saliva contains bacteria that can cause severe infectious reactions, similar to Komodo dragons.