Louisiana’s diversified geography is home to a wide range of wildlife, yet some of them represent a major threat to humans. The state’s wetlands and swamps are home to deadly species such as the American alligator, which is noted for its formidable teeth and astonishing speed in water and on land.
Cottonmouth snakes, which are commonly found near water, are extremely venomous and aggressive when threatened. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are also a serious threat, with a poisonous bite that can be lethal without early treatment.
Other risks include fire ants, whose painful stings can induce allergic reactions, and mosquitos, which carry infections such as the West Nile virus. Furthermore, the black widow spider and brown recluse spider are known for their poisonous bites, which necessitate rapid medical attention.
1. Brown Widow Spiders
Brown widow spiders, also known as Latrodectus geometricus, are not native to the United States and are believed to have originated in South Africa.
According to reports, this spider first came to Louisiana in the early 2000s, and by 2005, it was the most prevalent widow spider found in various urban regions of the state. Brown widow spiders can be found in the United States from Texas to Georgia, as well as on various Caribbean islands, Japan, Cyprus, and Australia.
Brown widow spiders are generally found in great quantities in and around homes or buildings, preferring to weave their webs in quiet areas such as buckets, nursery pots, storage closets, and garages. Female brown widow spiders have more distinguishing characteristics than males, particularly their globular abdomens and vivid orange-yellow markings (below the abdomen).
A bite from a brown widow spider is extremely rare and typically occurs when a female is accidentally caught. Though its bite is less poisonous than other widow species, it can still cause pain and leave a red mark. To eliminate brown widow bites, keep living environments clutter-free and cover any cracks or fissures.
2. Lionfish
The lionfish (Pterois volitans or Pterois miles) is a venomous fish that is native to the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea but has also been spotted along the coastlines of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Lionfish have 18 deadly spines in three fin positions and can be brown or maroon with white bands along their bodies.
Lionfish is considered an invasive species. These multicolored fish consume anything and everything. They consume small fish as well as commercially significant fish such as snapper and grouper, disrupting the biological balance of reef systems and affecting local fisheries.
Despite their attractiveness, lionfish can deliver a poisonous sting that is harmful for humans and prospective predators! Fortunately, lionfish avoid and escape from humans when they feel threatened. Lionfish stings are unlikely to be lethal, but they can cause blistering and edema. In severe situations, the sting can cause severe allergic reactions, shock, necrosis, and infection.
3. Buck Moth Caterpillar
Buck moth (Hemileuca maia) caterpillars are native to the eastern United States and are recognizable by a network of branching spines and white speckles on their black bodies. These caterpillars are usually encountered in early summer and emerge as buck moths in the fall, with strong eye-like markings and white bands across their wings.
The buck moth caterpillar is far from harmless, with branching spines that connect to venom glands. Similar to a bee sting, the toxic sting is followed by a painful sensation, swelling, itching, and redness in the affected area. A person may experience nausea within the first few hours of being bitten.
A buck moth caterpillar bite can cause agony that lasts for more than 24 hours, and allergic reactions have been documented. Buck moth caterpillar bites should be washed with soap and water (or a sterilizing solution), and if you suspect an allergic reaction, seek medical assistance immediately.
4. Apple Snail
The gigantic apple snail, also known as Pomacea maculata, is a freshwater mollusk that is not endemic to Louisiana. This snail is native to South America and is thought to have arrived in the United States as a result of reckless aquarium dumping. Apple snails thrive in Southern Louisiana’s freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes, ditches, ponds, and streams.
An apple snail’s presence in an environment is indicated by vivid pink egg masses on the surfaces of boats, crawfish traps, irrigation systems, or water bodies. The snails’ shells range from golden yellow to brown, with dark banding.
They are considered invasive species because of their voracious consumption of aquatic plants, and they can also infest rice and crawfish ponds, causing changes in the local aquatic ecosystem.
Despite their small, apple snails are a host for rat lungworms. This parasite can spread to humans through contaminated vegetables or undercooked snail meat. These snails also produce egg clusters, which may contain a neurotoxic that irritates people’s eyes and skin. Avoid handling apple snail eggs and properly clean your hands after handling the snails.
5. Eastern Copperhead Snake
Eastern copperhead snakes, also known as the Agkistrodon contortrix, are an indigenous species of eastern North America. These snakes are pit vipers with dark brown hourglass-shaped crossbands across their beige, tan, or pale gray bodies.
The poisonous snakes of the United States favor deciduous forests and mixed woodland settings. Eastern copperhead snakes can be found in wooded and forested areas across Louisiana.
An eastern copperhead snake is not aggressive, although it may lie immobile and disguised when faced with a potential threat. Eastern copperhead snake bites are common when humans step on or come into contact with them accidentally. Despite their venomous reputation, their bites are rarely deadly but can induce severe pain, tingling, throbbing, swelling, or nausea.
6. American alligator
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is considered the largest reptile in North America. This native North American reptile has short and thick appendages that allow it to swim, as well as a powerful tail that can break the legs of prey.
The American alligator has a round snout that differs from the pointed crocodile snout. Over 2 million crocodiles are estimated to live in Louisiana’s ponds, lakes, canals, bayous, rivers, and swamps!
American alligators are territorial and mobile animals that are known to flee when they hear the sounds of boats or intruders. Do not overlook these cold-blooded animals; American alligators have a powerful tails and can reach over 500 pounds!
These formidable reptiles should never be bothered, approached, challenged, or fed. Alligator assaults are uncommon, however they have occurred while people were swimming or destroying their natural habitat.
7. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamenteus) is the world’s largest, with adult snakes typically measuring 4 to 5 feet long! An Eastern diamondback rattlesnake can be identified by its dark brown dorsal diamond pattern with pale borders, yellow and unpatterned stomach, and dark tail with a rattle.
This rattlesnake is an elusive creature, but its bite has venom capable of damaging red blood cells.
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes live in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. These rattlesnakes are most likely no longer present in Louisiana, having been eradicated as a result of habitat degradation caused by agricultural expansion and urbanization. However, their presence has been reported throughout the state, with the most recent sighting occurring near Franklinton in 1995.
Conclusion
Louisiana’s diverse wildlife contains some extremely deadly creatures, ranging from venomous snakes like the cottonmouth and eastern diamondback rattlesnake to invasive species like lionfish and apple snails. Animals such as the American alligator and black widow spider also represent major threats. Awareness and prudence are essential for remaining safe.