When people hear the words “animal attack,” they tend to imagine something extreme, like a bear charging through a campsite or an alligator lunging from a swamp. But the reality is far less dramatic and far more common: millions of Americans experience animal bites every year, and most of those bites come from pets and critters we encounter in our everyday lives.
From playful dogs that nip too hard to cats that bite when they’ve had enough of your affection, the risk is real, even if you’re just lounging on the couch or walking through your backyard. At The Schiller Kessler Group, we looked into the data on animal bites, and what we found proves one thing: these incidents are way more frequent (and preventable) than most people realize.
Friendly Faces, Sharp Teeth: Dog Bites Are the Most Common
Dogs might be loyal companions, but when they feel scared, protective, or in pain, they can bite even if they’ve never shown signs of aggression before. With more than 65 million U.S. households owning a dog, it’s no surprise they’re at the top of the bite list.
Each year, around 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States, and about 800,000 of those require medical attention. Children under 10 are especially vulnerable; kids often don’t understand boundaries or warning signs and may unknowingly provoke a bite. Most bites happen to the arms, hands, and face, and the most common injuries are puncture wounds, bruises, or even bone fractures.
Here’s something wild: homes with multiple dogs are significantly more likely to report bite incidents. And while breed plays a role, what matters most is how a dog is trained, socialized, and supervised.
Cats May Be Smaller, But Their Bites Pack a Punch
Cat bites might seem less intimidating, but they’re often more dangerous when it comes to infections. Cats have sharp, thin teeth that create deep wounds, perfect for bacteria to settle in. Cat bites are twice as likely to become infected as dog bites.
Each year, about 400,000 people are bitten by cats in the U.S., and roughly 66,000 end up in the emergency room because of it. Most bites happen during play or when the cat is overstimulated. If you’ve ever pet a purring cat one second and been chomped on the next—you know exactly what I’m talking about.
The hands, arms, and face are the usual targets. And while cats are far less likely to bite unprovoked, it’s important to recognize the warning signs: flattened ears, a twitching tail, or sudden stiffness usually means “I’ve had enough.”
Snakes: The Quiet Biters You Might Not See Coming
Snake bites are a different beast, less frequent, but potentially more serious. In the U.S., there are about 45,000 snake bites each year, with 7,000 to 8,000 involving venomous species like rattlesnakes or copperheads.
While the average person doesn’t bump into snakes daily, they’re a real risk for hikers, campers, and folks working outdoors, especially in warmer states like Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Most bites happen when someone accidentally steps on or gets too close to a resting snake.
Men make up the majority of snake bite victims, and while deaths are rare (only around five per year), venomous bites can lead to serious medical complications if not treated quickly.
Which States See the Most Bites?
When it comes to dog bites, population density and pet ownership rates make a big difference. States like California, Texas, Ohio, Florida, and Illinois report some of the highest numbers of dog bite incidents. Big cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York also see higher rates of bites, simply because there are more people and more dogs in close quarters.
Snake bites tend to happen more often in states with warmer climates and more wilderness areas. Texas leads the pack with over 1,400 venomous snake bites annually, followed by states like Georgia, Louisiana, and North Carolina.
Bite Prevention 101
The best way to avoid a bite? Understand animal behavior and give them space when they need it.
Dog Safety Tips:
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Don’t approach unfamiliar dogs.
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Teach kids how to interact calmly and respectfully with pets.
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Never bother a dog that’s sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
Cat Safety Tips:
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Watch for body language cues, flattened ears and a flicking tail are red flags.
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Avoid roughhousing or grabbing your cat when they’re not in the mood.
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Give them an “escape route” during play or petting sessions.
Snake Safety Tips:
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Wear boots and long pants when hiking in areas where snakes are common.
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Stick to trails and avoid tall grass or rock piles.
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If you see a snake, calmly back away, don’t try to handle it.
What to Do If You’re Bitten
If you’re bitten, don’t panic—but don’t brush it off either. Here’s what to do:
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Wash the wound gently with soap and water.
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Apply a clean bandage.
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Get medical help if the bite is deep, bleeds heavily, or is from an unknown animal.
For snake bites, call emergency services right away and try to stay calm and still. Don’t try to suck out the venom or use a tourniquet, those old myths can do more harm than good.
Final Thoughts: Be Aware, Not Afraid
Animal bites happen more often than you’d expect, but they don’t have to be inevitable. With a little awareness and some basic precautions, you can keep yourself, your kids, and your pets safe. Respecting an animal’s space, whether it walks on four legs or slithers on its belly, is the first step to avoiding a painful (and sometimes dangerous) bite.
And if you ever find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a serious animal bite, remember—you don’t have to handle it alone. At The Schiller Kessler Group, we’re here to help you understand your legal rights and make sure you get the care and support you need.