Dog attacks on mail carriers in the United States have reached a seven-year high, with over 6,000 incidents reported last year.

According to data from the U.S. Postal Service, this marks a 5% increase from last year. The Midwest, particularly states like Illinois, Iowa, and Ohio, has the highest rate of attacks when adjusted for the number of households. 

With more than one in three American households owning dogs, mail carriers face significant risks. The Postal Service releases these figures annually as part of its Dog Bite Awareness campaign.

For the 300,000-plus mail carriers across the country, the financial and emotional impacts of dog attacks can be substantial. The average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite was nearly $70,000. To mitigate risks, the Postal Service has implemented guidelines for interacting with dogs, including carrying dog repellant and using mail satchels for protection.