[RPG] What are some dangerous non-fantasy creatures

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We're running a fantasy game where the adventurers frequently travel through the wilderness. Too many of the threatening encounters they have are with fantasy creatures (like goblins, orcs, etc.). What kinds of non-fantasy creatures could pose a threat to them?

Further information:

  • The setting is temperate, so anything from Europe, North America, or northern Asia is fair game.
  • The characters are fairly low level (in D&D terms, they're around 3rd level).

Best Answer

Lions and Tigers and Bears... Oh my!

I think the number of dangerous creatures out in the wilderness is almost innumerable, so I will just list categories with a few examples.

  • Reptiles
    • Snakes (Venomous or large)
    • Poisonous frogs
    • Alligators
  • Insects
    • Mosquitoes (with or without diseases)
    • Army ants
    • Bees and Hornets
  • Large Mammals
    • Large Cats (Lions, Bobcats, Lynx)
    • Large Canines (Wolves, Hyenas, Jackals)
    • Others (Boars, Bears, Stampede of Buffalo)
  • Physical hazards
    • False grounds / Pits
    • sudden cliffs/waterfalls
    • Falling obstacles
    • Wild fires
    • Flash Floods
  • Water Creatures
    • Leeches
    • Piranhas
    • diseased water (not boiled)
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