NC dogs among worst in nation for biting postal workers. See the ranking
North Carolina is among the Top 10 states for dog bites on postal workers, according to a new report.
The report from the U.S. Postal Service, part of its 2024 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, revealed that North Carolina had the eighth-most dog bites on postal service employees in 2023, with 185 — that’s a 27% increase from the previous year.
California took the No. 1 spot with 727 dog attacks on postal workers, and Texas and Ohio rounded out the top three, with 411 and 359 attacks, respectively, the report says.
Here are the top 10 states for dog bite on postal workers in 2023, according to the USPS:
California: 727
Texas: 411
Ohio: 359
Pennsylvania: 334
Illinois: 316
New York: 296
Florida: 193
North Carolina: 185
Michigan: 183
Missouri: 180
Why do dogs bite?
Dogs bite for a variety of reasons, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, including:
When it finds itself in a stressful situation
To defend itself or its territory
When they are scared or startled
When they want to protect something valuable, like puppies, food or toys
When they are sick
When they are playing
According to the USPS, letter carriers are trained to make non-threatening noises to alert dogs of their presence, never startle dogs and never attempt to pet dogs to avoid bites.
How dog owners can help
Nearly 6,000 total dog attacks on postal workers occurred in 2023, according to the USPS, but bites can be prevented.
“Most people know the approximate time their letter carrier arrives every day,” the USPS says. “Securing your dog before the carrier approaches your property will minimize any potentially dangerous interactions.”
When a letter carrier comes to your home, the USPS recommends keeping dogs:
Inside the house or behind a fence
Away from the door or in another room
On a leash
Pet owners also should remind children not to take mail directly from a postal worker as the dog may view the carrier as a threat to the child, the USPS says.
This story was originally published June 5, 2024 at 7:30 AM with the headline "NC dogs among worst in nation for biting postal workers. See the ranking."
