The Seven Most Dangerous ‘Animals’ in Louisiana Waters

People in Louisiana love to be outdoors and that at times includes being in the water.

If you're familiar with the Gulf of Mexico you know that it can be dangerous with rip currents and that it is also the home to some dangerous marine life.

So, let's highlight the most dangerous "animals' in Louisiana waterways or the Gulf.

We'll start with The Tiger Shark. While these sharks usually do not prey on humans, they are out there and have been known to swim along the Louisiana coast. Like any species of shark, you do not want to encounter this predator while out enjoying the cool waters of the Gulf.

Next, it's the Stingray. If you've ever been in the shallow waters of the Gulf, chances are you've seen these and often they too will swim just past you. These creatures have barbed tails, which they deploy for self-protection when threatened. If you see Stingrays while out in the water keep your distance and do your best to not startle them.

The Portuguese Man-of-War is an organism that features long tentacles that can deliver venomous stings. Those who've come into contact with them report very painful stings and some have even experienced allergic reactions. If you come across this organism while off the Louisiana coastline, avoid it and do not approach it.

If you've ever been to the Gulf of Mexico you may come across or in contact with a jellyfish. There are multiple species of Jellyfish out in the Gulf and if you've ever been stung by one, or many, you know that their stings can hurt. You will most often see Jellyfish out in the Gulf during the warm summer months.

Another species of sharks out in the Gulf of Mexico is the Hammerhead Sharks. While they may not pose an immediate threat to humans, you do want to avoid them. Again, this is a wild animal in their domain and you never know if they will decide to defend what may be close by. Remember, most sharks don't prey on humans, they often attack humans when they mistake them for another food source.

Another dangerous "animal" off the coast of Louisiana is the Bull Shark. Of all the species of sharks in the water, the Bull Shark is often regarded as the most aggressive. Bull Sharks may be aggressive towards humans and have been spotted or caught in rivers and other small bodies of water. Unlike other sharks, the Bull Sharks are known for their aggressive behavior and will Inhabit waterways other species won't. Be on high alert for these if out in the water in Louisiana.

Lastly, the alligator is out there and we all know that. What many people forget is that these animals will be on the move and they often show up where you least expect them. Although alligators are freshwater reptiles and don’t typically swim into the open ocean, we've seen in recent years many show up on beaches along the Louisiana coast. It's safe to say that alligators are everywhere in Louisiana and like Bull Sharks they too can be aggressive, especially if they have a nest nearby.

So, these are the most dangerous animals out there in the Louisiana waterways and you should be on the lookout for all of these.