Another Spider post...sorry

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I found an article today on a woman who found a "Venomous Huntsman Spider and it's eggsack" in her backpack after a trip to the rainforest in Cameroon. The title of the article had "Venomous" in it. All Spider's have some venom, it's the nature of the beast. Yep, that's a Huntsman, alright. Huntsman's are very common here and in most of the US. You probably have one somewhere in your house. You will probably never see it. They are not the least bit harmful to Humans. They are a big Spider, good hunters, fast and fierce looking. But, they do not look for trouble and won't attack you. We find them all the time here. I take them outside and let them go. The article also said Huntsman's can't take the cold, implying that's why it was in the Rainforest. It's not unusual for it to be -30 here in Winter. They do fine here. You can't believe everything you read.

I like that picture. We've found several that big or bigger. They are often mistaken for a Wolf Spider, which is fine, both are big and not poisonous to Humans. But, Huntsman aren't hairy, like the Wolf and they have longer legs with more pronounced joints. They are FAST, you have to be fast to catch them and they do look fierce. I don't think they make as good a pet as the Wolf because of their attitude. But then, I have a real fondness for docile Wolf Spiders. Even if you hate Spiders, it's good to know what's around you. I like knowing when to be concerned and when to go, "oh, well". The Huntsman always makes me shiver a little, but, I know it means me no harm. I wouldn't lose any sleep if I lost one in the house. Sometimes, they're just too fast for me.

ps..if you want to be scared, look up the Hobo Spider. It's really, really common all over the US and it IS harmful. Hobo's can really hurt you. They are good sized, but, not as big as Wolf or Huntsman. They are 'husky' for lack of a better word and the two smaller 'legs' in front look like they have venom sacks. (I doubt that's where venom is, but, that's what it looks like.) They have an easily identified chevron pattern that looks like an old tweed suit from a used store. They are aggressive and they make me nervous. If I see them outside, I avoid them. If I see them inside, sorry, no mercy. These things are good to know. Because chances are, you have those in your house too.