12 Terrifying Things In Missouri That Can (And Just Might) Kill You
By Catherine Armstrong|Updated on January 03, 2023(Originally published December 30, 2022)
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Missouri is a beautiful state with so much to do and see…but there’s a bit of danger lurking about. Just like any other state, living in Missouri comes with its own fair share of risks. It’s true; there are some dangerous things in Missouri. Not so sure? Maybe you need some convincing, and that’s okay. Keep reading for a few of the dangerous things in Missouri that can possibly lead to your untimely demise.
The state's notorious ice storms are without a doubt among the most dangerous things in Missouri, and they can even be deadly. These seasonal storms cause traffic fatalities, power outages, and falling trees.
Smoking kills more than 10,000 Missourians every year, as per figures computed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The state has the 9th highest rate of smoking in the entire U.S., which means living in Missouri isn't a good idea for those who've already kicked the habit.
While we have a lot of love in our hearts for St. Louis, it, unfortunately, has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation. As stated in Forbes, St. Louis is the second most violent city (after Detroit), with roughly 1,857 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. However, don't let the statistics deter you from visiting. The city is brimming with things to do, making it a great place for a Missouri day trip.
Oh no! Toasted ravioli, which is breaded and deep-fried, just might kill you. The number one cause of death in Missouri is heart disease, and these little nuggets of fabulousness might be making a contribution. We’re not advocating that you avoid them entirely...just eat in moderation. Not sure where to get your fill of the delightfully fried dish? Plan a visit to Charlie Gitto’s On The Hill, an Italian restaurant in Missouri known for its perfectly toasted ravioli.
Tornadoes are scary and deadly, but luckily we seem to have at least a few years in between fatalities. One of the worst tornadoes in Missouri hit in 2011, resulting in over 150 casualties.
Rattlesnakes are among the dangerous animals in Missouri. The state has four species of rattlesnakes, which are: the timber rattlesnake, massasauga rattlesnake, and western pygmy rattlesnake.
Depression is a risk factor for several deadly health conditions including heart disease and diabetes. 20.6 percent of Missourians have been diagnosed with clinical depression, as stated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
When it comes to disasters in Missouri, flash floods are a rather common occurrence. Flash floods are deadly, and cause deaths, earning them a spot on our list of the most dangerous things in Missouri. Eight people died due to flooding caused by a major storm in December 2015.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports that Missourians were in 12,182 automobile accidents between 1998 and 2008. Oh, we know that YOU’RE a good driver...it’s the rest of them that are a problem!
Missouri has just two poisonous spiders: the brown recluse and the black widow. You’re most likely to be bitten by the brown recluse. Bites cause swelling and infection and could potentially be deadly (though deaths from spider bites are rare).
Missouri has five species of snakes that are poisonous; the copperhead is our state’s most venomous.
So, did you know that these 12 dangerous things in Missouri can kill you? Ever encountered any dangerous animals in Missouri? What about any of the other threats mentioned above? Know of any other dangerous things in Missouri that can kill you? We want to hear from you, so whatever you have to say, tell us!
The dangers facing Missouri residents don’t end with those listed above. There are lots of dangerous things in Missouri. And to prove it, we thought we would showcase some of the scariest wildlife in Missouri.
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Dangerous Things In Missouri
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What are the most dangerous places in Missouri?
The dangerous things listed above aren’t the only risks facing residents of the Show-Me State. There are quite a few dangerous places in Missouri, including:
The Show-Me State is pretty safe overall, but some places stand out above the rest in terms of safety. Here are a few of the safest cities in Missouri:
