Red Dead Online can be incredibly unpredictable. An unsuspecting and unprepared outlaw can lose their life at any given moment if they're not careful. The creators of Red Dead Redemption 2 assured players there would be no slacking when it comes to thrills and surprises.

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Red Dead Online is filled with deadly animals that can either maul outlaws with no remorse or inject them with deadly venom that will send them to cowboy heaven. What are the most dangerous animals in Red Dead Online? It is imperative that a player knows where to find these magnificent beasts and how to avoid them or easily take them down.

Updated September 5, 2021 by Tom Bowen: Much like the real world, Red Dead Online's huge open world is full of potential danger. A lot of this comes from other players, though there's still plenty of peril lurking in the woods and waters of the old west as well. Whether in the form of a monstrous and powerful mammal or an easy-to-miss poisonous reptile, those hoping to survive will need to keep their eyes peeled for these deadly apex predators, particularly when riding around at night. By being able to identify the dangerous animals in Red Dead Online and knowing how to kill them, however, players can dramatically increase their survivability while also making a quick buck in the process.

12 Horse

red dead redemption 2 horse arthur morgan

Though undoubtedly one of the most helpful animals in the game, horses can also have a violent side too. They've been known to viciously attack players in Red Dead Online and can deal some serious damage due to their powerful hind legs. Even when they're not acting aggressively, they can still prove to be incredibly dangerous.

When spooked, horses will often buck players from their saddles, often leaving them surrounded by wild animals with no means of escape. They can also gallop off of cliffs, breaking the bodies of their riders on the sharp rocks down below. Of course, this is usually the result of rider error but is still deadly nonetheless.

11 Diamondback Rattlesnake

Black Bear Red Dead Online

Diamondbacks are native to the Lemoyne, New Hannover, and West Elizabeth regions and can typically be found hunting small mammals and birds. If they feel threatened, however, they won't hesitate to turn on humans and can quickly poison a player with a bite thanks to their lightning-fast reflexes.

As with other snakes in the game, it's generally best to steer clear of Diamondbacks unless hunting for them specifically. In those instances, players should use a Bow with a Small Game Arrow to get a clean kill. Doing so will reward them with a Diamondback Rattlesnake skin and some stringy meat.

10 Alligator

An American Alligator in Bayou Nwa

Alligators are dinosaurs living in the present, reminding outlaws to stay humble and recognize who the real apex predator is. In Red Dead Online, Alligators are found exclusively in the swamps of Lemoyne.

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It is wise for an outlaw not to wade into the water in Largas, for that is their feeding ground. Slugs, which are unlocked at Rank 44, are effective when dealing with Alligators on the attack. A headshot from a Bolt Action Rifle using express ammo will also earn an outlaw a perfect skin.

9 Black Bear

Black Bear Red Dead Online
Black Bear Red Dead Online

Players can find Black Bears just north of Annesburg, in the western parts of West Elizabeth, and in Lemoyne. Predator bait is good for luring the animal out from a safe distance, while scoped weapons ensure that players won't need to get too close for the kill.

Performing a headshot with a Bolt Action Rifle can leave behind a perfect pelt, Bear Claw, Animal Fat, and Big Game. The black bear will attack an outlaw sight, leaving very little time for them to react, so the risk is arguably right up there with the reward.

8 Cottonmouth Snake

cottonmouth Snake Red Dead Online

The Cottonmouth, also called the Water Moccasin, is the only poisonous water snake in North America. They are recognized by their boxy triangular heads and thick black bodies. A Cottonmouth won't normally attack players unless it feels threatened, but if it does, it can be a tricky opponent.

It is recommended that outlaws tread with caution whenever they are near large bodies of water in Red Dead Online, especially when in the swamps of Lemoyne. Small game arrows provide the best method for acquiring a perfect skin from this specimen.

7 Cougar

red dead redemption Cougar

If an outlaw riding through the deserts of New Austin were to hear a heavy purr, it may be an unfortunate day for that cowboy or cowgirl. The Puma Concolor, better known as the Cougar, can be found in the areas around Gaptooth Ridge, Rio Bravo, and in Black Bone Forest.

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If an outlaw is able to survive a Cougar attack and manages to kill the cat, he or she can receive up to five dollars for a pelt. They're not afraid to attack horses though, so those hoping to take them out while mounted on their trusty steed will have to think again.

6 Dogs

There are many species of dog in Red Dead Online. Normally the dogs are docile and will not attack players; in fact, most of the time killing them will cause an outlaw to gain negative honor. This isn't always the case though.

In the Moonshiner Role Story Mission “A Bitter Means To A Bitter End,” dogs can be absolutely vicious enemies leaving very little wiggle room for error. If a player ever comes across a hostile dog, they should keep their Pump Action Shotgun handy.

5 Gray Wolf

Gray Wolf Red Dead Online

The Gray Wolf is one of two types of wolf found in the Wild West. Gray Wolves prefer the southern part of the map and will always be found in packs. They love to eat mountain goats, fish, birds, and beavers. Some of them even have a taste for man-flesh.

A great place to find these elite killers is the area around Aurora Basin west of Manzanita Post, near the Great Plains. Any high-capacity shotgun works great against a Gray Wolf, as does a rifle loaded with Express Ammo.

4 Grizzly Bear

The Ursus Arctos Horribilis, or the Grizzly Bear, is found in a few different places in Red Dead Online. The best locations to come across one of these raging giants though are in the northeast corner of West Elizabeth near Wallace Station, or on the Dakota River around Window Rock.

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Predator Bait placed somewhere with an overlooking viewpoint is the best way to hunt this monstrous beast as it allows players to keep themselves largely out of harm's way. When it comes to the killing, high-Velocity Ammo and a high-powered rifle with a scope are by far the most effective.

3 Panther

Panther Red Dead Online

Another bloodthirsty feline in Red Dead Online is the Panther. The Panther is mostly active at night and will give no warning before attacking. This stealthy hunter can be found in the northern part of Lagras and also southeast of Braithwaite Manor on the coast of the Lannahechee.

Panthers normally feed on Wild Boar and Whitetail Deer, but they can quickly turn hostile towards humans if provoked. Using a Bow can land an outlaw a perfect pelt, but if a player misses the headshot, they will pay the price.

2 Timber Rattlesnake

Timber Rattlesnake Red Dead Online

Luckily for players, the Timber Rattlesnake will warn players before striking with its deadly venom. These snakes blend in seamlessly with trees and bushes, which make them terrific hunters. The timber rattlesnake feeds mainly on small birds, rodents, rabbits, and lizards.

An outlaw can run into the Timber Rattlesnake anywhere on the map in Red Dead Online, except for the snowy mountains. They are most commonly spotted in New Austin though. A Varmint Rifle is the ideal weapon to kill this snake, though bows can also work.

1 Timber Wolf

Timber Wolf Red Dead Online

If a player hears howls while roaming around the snowy slopes of the grizzlies or riding their horse near Cumberland Forest, they should proceed with caution. Those sounds that they are hearing are most likely coming from a pack of Timber Wolves.

Timber Wolves are part of the Canine family and are powerful, relentless predators. Typically an outlaw will come across these devil hounds in groups of three, and their horse may or may not leave them to the wolves. A perfect Wolf Carcass can be worth up to $5.25 though, so an attack can be profitable if players emerge unscathed.

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