Red Dead Onlinecan be incredibly unpredictable. An unsuspecting and unprepared outlaw can lose their life at any given moment if they’re not careful. The creators ofRed Dead Redemption 2assured players there would be no slacking when it comes to thrills and surprises.
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Red Dead Onlineis filled withdeadly animalsthat can either maul outlaws with no remorse or inject them with deadly venom that will send them to cowboy heaven. What arethe most dangerous animals inRed 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 July 22, 2025 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 thedangerous animals in Red Dead Onlineand knowing how to kill them, however, players can dramatically increase their survivability while also making a quick buck in the process.
12Horse
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 inRed Dead Onlineand 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.
11Diamondback Rattlesnake
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.
10Alligator
Alligators are dinosaurs living in the present, reminding outlaws to stay humble and recognize who the real apex predator is. InRed 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 aBolt Action Rifleusing express ammo will also earn an outlaw a perfect skin.
9Black Bear
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.
8Cottonmouth Snake
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 inRed Dead Online, especially when in the swamps of Lemoyne. Small game arrows provide the best method for acquiring a perfect skin from this specimen.
7Cougar
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.
6Dogs
There are many species of dog inRed 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.
5Gray Wolf
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.
4Grizzly Bear
The Ursus Arctos Horribilis, or the Grizzly Bear, is found in a few different places inRed 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 thebest way to huntthis 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.
3Panther
Another bloodthirsty feline inRed Dead Onlineis 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 ofBraithwaite Manoron 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.
