The Reality of Black Widow Bites
Many know the dangers of venomous animals, especially snakes and spiders. However, the black widow spider might not be as lethal as once believed. Still, encouraging a bite is a bad idea due to potentially long-lasting effects. A popular YouTube channel, Jack’s World of Wildlife, recently showcased what happens when a black widow attacks.
Black Widow Bites: Major Discomfort, Not Death
Jack Schonhof of Jack’s World of Wildlife posted a video where he let a black widow bite him. He highlighted that while the bite isn’t as lethal as many think, it’s still dangerous. Jack experienced two weeks of symptoms, including severe lower back pain. He emphasized that black widows are very reluctant to bite, usually only doing so if pinned against the skin. Jack advised viewers to check shoes and clothing left outside before wearing them.
Mixed Reactions from Viewers
Some viewers remained unconvinced about the black widow’s lack of lethality. One follower stated, “You didn’t change my mind about black widows. You still proved to me to avoid the h**l out of them.” Others praised Jack for his bravery and efforts to clear up misconceptions about wildlife, including the black widow. Despite varying opinions, provoking a black widow remains unwise due to the venom’s serious health risks and the potential for severe allergic reactions.
Jack’s Mission to Educate
Jack immerses himself in the wild and intentionally provokes wildlife to provide firsthand accounts of their reactions. His videos feature encounters with various venomous creatures, including spiders, ants, centipedes, and scorpions. Followers have deemed his bravery and dedication to educating others about wildlife as “criminally underrated.”
Misconceptions about Black Widows
Contrary to popular belief, black widows don’t prefer to live indoors. They often end up inside by accident, typically stowing away in produce. These spiders feed on insects that destroy crops, making their presence in produce a good sign. Additionally, black widows are generally docile and take significant provocation to bite, preferring to run and hide.
Beneficial Garden Dwellers
While a black widow bite isn’t ideal, these spiders are beneficial outdoors as they eat harmful insects like ants, termites, and fruit flies. If a black widow enters your home, capturing and releasing it is a better option than killing it. Use a mason jar and a piece of paper to safely catch and release the spider outside.
Overcoming Arachnophobia
Arachnophobia is common, but education and compassion can help overcome it. Understanding the benefits and behavior of creatures like black widows fosters a more harmonious coexistence with the wildlife we share our planet with.