Living in the Treasure Valley, you're bound to cross paths with wildlife from time to time. Whether it's a squirrel doing acrobatics in your backyard or some other critter strolling by, animals are part of our daily lives. Most of these encounters are pretty uneventful - we appreciate their presence and then get back to our own business.

Of course, we know that some animals can be more dangerous than others, so we take precautions to avoid any unpleasant surprises, and it usually works. That's why those highly dangerous creatures rarely make humans their dinner.

However, there's an unexpected twist to this story. The leading cause of human deaths in Idaho doesn't come from an animal with a temper problem or a taste for meat. In fact, it's a real head-scratcher until you stop and think about it.

Now, all of these animals can potentially pose a threat to humans, but in the grand scheme of things, you're statistically more likely to live to tell the tale than you might think.

7 Scary Idaho Animals That Might Not Kill You, And 1 That Will

Gallery Credit: Marco

Snakes in Idaho, What's Venomous & What's Harmless

We love Idaho and love the great outdoors that the gem state has to offer. Inevitably however, if you are outdoors enough, you will encounter a snake two. While many will run away from anything that slithers, it is helpful to know which snakes are common in Idaho and which ones are dangerous in Idaho.

Gallery Credit: Idaho Fish and Game

The Ridiculous True Stories of How Lions, Tigers, Bees, Alligators, Goats, Snakes and Beavers in Idaho Made National Headlines

We added to a list from Only In Your State about crazy things animals did in Idaho that made national headlines.

Gallery Credit: Nikki West

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