In Maryland we live our day to day lives (mostly) without fear. But did you know there are actually terrifying creatures and viruses that could potentially end your life? In most cases these can be avoided by staying away from dangerous situations and using common sense. Listed below are 11 terrifying things in Maryland that could potentially shorten your lifespan.
- Fried Foods
Jenn Larsen / Flickr This image may look more delicious than terrifying but diet plays a big role in heart disease. Here in Maryland, our fairs are always overflowing with fried foods, as well as easy access to fast food all over the state.
- Northern Copperhead
Richard Bonnett / Flickr The Northern Copperhead is the most common venomous snake in Maryland. They’ve been found in fields, swamps, forests, and even under piles of autumn leaves. Beware.
- Driving in Maryland
Taber Andrew Bain / Flickr You should always be on alert for road rage and impaired driving while out and about in Maryland. Vehicular fatalities have lessened each year but they’re still an issue in the state.
- Brown Recluse
Smithsonian Institution-NMNH-Insect Zoo / Flickr A quick Google images search of Brown Recluse will tell you all you need to know about these horrifying arachnids.
- Shoveling Snow
Marcy Leigh / Flickr Shoveling snow when you’re not in the best of shape can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Be cautious walking on ice as well, as falls send tons of Marylanders to the ER each year.
- Timber Rattlesnake
Ann Marie Morrison / Flickr The Timber Rattlesnakes venom is toxic to humans, but these animals prefer to stay away. If you come too close, the snake will warn you with it’s rattle. If you continue to approach it after that, you’ve chosen your fate.
- Deer Tick
Macroscopic Solutions / Flickr Deer ticks are carriers of Lyme Disease which if treated right away, is not usually an issue. But if left untreated for a long amount of time, neurocognitive disorders, physical disabilities, and even death can occur.
- West Nile Virus
Johan J.Ingles-Le Nobel / Flickr There were a few cases of West Nile virus reported in Maryland last year. It’s extremely rare, but still, make sure to wear your bug spray.
- Heroin
B.A.D. / Flickr Baltimore has been described as the heroin capital of the US. This is especially dangerous when dealers try to cut costs by cutting their product with deadly chemicals.
- Black Widow
Konrad Summers / Flickr Yes, Black Widows are in Maryland. And yes, they pack a deadly bite.
- Flesh Eating Virus
jurek d. / Flickr Vibrio vulnificus is more common in the warmer months when flesh eating bacteria can thrive. You’re more likely to get it when you have a cut on your body while entering infested waters. The bacteria can lead to amputation or death.
What other threatening things in Maryland would you add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Jenn Larsen / Flickr
This image may look more delicious than terrifying but diet plays a big role in heart disease. Here in Maryland, our fairs are always overflowing with fried foods, as well as easy access to fast food all over the state.
Richard Bonnett / Flickr
The Northern Copperhead is the most common venomous snake in Maryland. They’ve been found in fields, swamps, forests, and even under piles of autumn leaves. Beware.
Taber Andrew Bain / Flickr
You should always be on alert for road rage and impaired driving while out and about in Maryland. Vehicular fatalities have lessened each year but they’re still an issue in the state.
Smithsonian Institution-NMNH-Insect Zoo / Flickr
A quick Google images search of Brown Recluse will tell you all you need to know about these horrifying arachnids.
Marcy Leigh / Flickr
Shoveling snow when you’re not in the best of shape can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Be cautious walking on ice as well, as falls send tons of Marylanders to the ER each year.
Ann Marie Morrison / Flickr
The Timber Rattlesnakes venom is toxic to humans, but these animals prefer to stay away. If you come too close, the snake will warn you with it’s rattle. If you continue to approach it after that, you’ve chosen your fate.
Macroscopic Solutions / Flickr
Deer ticks are carriers of Lyme Disease which if treated right away, is not usually an issue. But if left untreated for a long amount of time, neurocognitive disorders, physical disabilities, and even death can occur.
Johan J.Ingles-Le Nobel / Flickr
There were a few cases of West Nile virus reported in Maryland last year. It’s extremely rare, but still, make sure to wear your bug spray.
B.A.D. / Flickr
Baltimore has been described as the heroin capital of the US. This is especially dangerous when dealers try to cut costs by cutting their product with deadly chemicals.
Konrad Summers / Flickr
Yes, Black Widows are in Maryland. And yes, they pack a deadly bite.
jurek d. / Flickr
Vibrio vulnificus is more common in the warmer months when flesh eating bacteria can thrive. You’re more likely to get it when you have a cut on your body while entering infested waters. The bacteria can lead to amputation or death.
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