There are a lot of creatures and things that can cause death in Don't Starve. If it looks like it can kill you, it probably will. Otherwise, you may have accidentally clicked and attacked something or someone when trying to pick up another item.
Try adjusting your camera/view using the arrow keys (or alternatively, using the "Q" and "E" keys) to avoid accidentally attacking things.
Try adjusting your camera/view using the arrow keys (or alternatively, using the "Q" and "E" keys) to avoid accidentally attacking things.