PmWiki | IronLegion / Fauna

As civilization gave ground, wilderness retook it - but not quite the way it was before Europeans colonized the continents.

Various animals have escaped zoos across the country, and some have taken hold; today the bison roaming the plains once again has to contend with savannah lions.

Back East, beasts that grew tough in order to survive the polluted rivers came back in strength and size with a vengeance once those debilitating influences were removed from the environment by economic apathy.

Even so, the most dangerous animal to man remains man.

Some examples of dangerous fauna in continental America:

Grizzly Bears: These massive bears are found in parts of the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest, and are known for their ferocity when threatened. They can weigh up to 600 pounds and have sharp claws and teeth.

Timber Rattlesnakes: These venomous snakes are found in the eastern United States, from Minnesota to Texas and eastward to the Atlantic coast. They can grow up to 4 feet long and deliver a potentially deadly bite.

Alligators: These large reptiles are found in the southern United States, from Texas to North Carolina, and are known for their powerful jaws and quick movements. They can grow up to 14 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds.

Mountain Lions: These big cats are found in parts of the western United States, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast. They are solitary predators and can take down prey much larger than themselves, including deer and elk.

Black Widow Spiders: These venomous spiders are found throughout the United States, but are most commonly found in the southern and western parts of the country. They have a distinctive red hourglass shape on their abdomen and their bites can be deadly.

Coyotes: These adaptable predators are found throughout the United States and are known for their cunning and resourcefulness. They are highly opportunistic and will eat almost anything, including small livestock and pets.

Bobcats: These medium-sized wildcats are found throughout much of the United States, from coast to coast. They are known for their agility and hunting skills, and can take down prey much larger than themselves.

Diamondback Rattlesnakes: These venomous snakes are found in the southwestern United States, from California to Texas. They can grow up to 8 feet long and have large, distinctive diamond-shaped markings on their backs.

Cougars: Also known as mountain lions, these big cats are found throughout much of the western United States. They are solitary predators and are known for their stealth and agility, making them difficult to track and hunt.

Wild Hogs: These invasive species are found throughout much of the southern United States and are known for their aggression and destructive behavior. They can grow up to 400 pounds and are capable of damaging crops, property, and even injuring humans.

Snapping turtles could certainly pose a threat to humans in this setting. They are large and aggressive, and their powerful jaws can cause serious injury or even amputation. Additionally, they are common in many bodies of water throughout the United States, so they could be encountered by characters traveling through the wilderness or attempting to cross a river.