When Wild Animals Invade Our Space

Author Mike O'Brian

July 28th, 2023 1:11 PM

It seems to be happening more and more, but here are a couple of stories when wild animals invade our space! On The Mike & Carla Morning Show, we love “animal” stories and one is out of Philadelphia and the other out of Portland, Main.

Now one thing to consider is are they really invading our space or is it because we’re moving into theirs? We know here in Nevada it might be a little of both. Some would say the reason we are starting to see more and more coyotes in neighbors might be because of the latter.

It’s happening more and more with wild animals!

However, in Philadelphia, a racoon got loose in a baggage area at the Philadelphia International Airport. We’re not even sure how this might happen. And to be quite honest, in that setting, as scared as some might be, the racoon was probably just as nervous! The M&C Morning Show has eyewitness accounts of what went on there.

With that said, in Portland, Maine, a falcon followed a pigeon into a toy store! Not a hawk or an eagle, we’re talking a FALCON! Following a pigeon into a toy store. We’re sure the pigeon, flying anywhere to save it’s life, just trying to get out of harms way. Not thinking that the falcon would actually brave a toy story! The M&C Morning Show has a statement from the law enforcement official called to the scene.

But if you think about it, what was the last “wild” animal that invaded your space? Came into your home? And how did you get it out? Needless to say, living where we do, we had a few people text in and one caller that stated, she already had a wild animal in the house.

You have to listen to the segment and find out what happened with all these animals…and enjoy!

Mike O’Brian is the Program Director and Morning Show host on 96.3 KKLZ in Las Vegas, along with Carla Rea. He has been with the Beasley Media Group for almost 23 years. Mike was named one of the “Best Program Directors In America” by Radio Ink magazine. Over the years, “The Mike & Carla Morning Show” have been presented with a number of proclamations for their work in the community and numerous awards. Having lived in Las Vegas for over 35 years, he writes articles on living in Las Vegas, sports, and odd stories happening within the state of Nevada. Mike is the host of the morning show and program director of 96.3 KKLZ/Las Vegas. He has been doing mornings in Las Vegas for the past 38 years. Over the years, he has hosted a numerous amount of community events and has been the P.A. announcer for a number of sports teams in Las Vegas. He has written on living in Las Vegas, the sports teams here, as well as odd & little-known facts about Las Vegas & Nevada.

Where Nevada Ranks With Attacks By Wild Animals

Living out in the deserts, you have to wonder where Nevada ranks when it comes to people being attacked by wild animals. The Mike & Carla Morning Show started talking about this the other morning. All started with story about a young lady tubing on a river headed toward an alligator. First off, it’s good to know that the state of Nevada is not even in the Top 10!

According to a recent article put out by Outforia, there have been no recorded deaths of attacks by wild animals in the states of Delaware, North Dakota or Rhode Island. No reports over the past two decades! Not really sure where the Silver State ranks, but considering all the wild life, fatalities are very low.

The difference between Southern and Northern Nevada!

Of course living here in Southern Nevada, it’s a little different than what hikers see in Northern Nevada. Oh sure, we have the occasional coyote, even mountain lions have been spotted wondering around. The one huge difference might be the appearance of a black bear! However, encounters with these and other wild life end in death.

On the other hand, bears are listed at the top when it comes to attacks by wild animals. Followed by sharks, snakes, alligators and mountain lions. Okay, so Nevada does have three out the five animals listed, so the warning is just be careful!

With all this considered, you might be a little surprised by what states rank in the Top 5 when it comes to deadly attacks. The good news is that Nevada is ranked near the bottom of this list. Maybe because we all know and stay away from those animals that can do us the most harm!

The states that made the Top 10 might surprise you. States like New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan…all in the Top 10! What states made the Top 5…just scroll down to see…and enjoy!

Top 5 States Where Wild Animals Attack

#5 TENNESSEE
Well, if you think about it, Tennessee is know for their mountain like country, so there is bound to be wild animals roaming around. With that thought in mind, the Volunteer State comes in at #5 on the list of most likely to be attacked by wild animals!
#4 NORTH CAROLINA
Not to be confused with their neighbors to the south. North Carolina is a surprise in the Top 5. But with that said, there has to be reasons as to why. So if you’re traveling their some time soon, just be careful! It’s #4 on the list!
#3 FLORIDA
The state of Florida comes in at #3. Not surprised at all. Sunshine, beaches, the ocean, lakes just means sharks, alligators and more! Florida does have a lot to offer, just be careful next time you’re down there!
#2 CALIFORNIA
It’s the same as Florida when it comes to wildlife, but add in the mountains of Northern California with black bears, mountain lions and more. No wonder this state is #2 on the list!
#1 TEXAS
This one was a but of a surprise. When it comes to wild animal attacks, Texas is #1? But when you look at the stats that over the past 20 years, close to 600 people have been killed by wild animals in Texas, it’s shocking. Especially when you see that California at #2 has only had less than 300. But, there ya go….so when you hit Texas, keep your head on a swival!