A few nights ago, I was watching CP24 news about a Black Widow spider being found in a bag of grapes. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard of such incidents.

In the concluding remark of the breaking news, the news anchor implied that the owner is looking to find a “good home” for the Black Widow spider. What the heck! A home for a Black Widow spider? Give me a break. Just put it to rest, as recommended by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency: “If a spider falls into the sink, it is recommended that the spider be killed rather than captured.”

I don’t care what kind of spider it is — I’m not a fan. Though, I do enjoy photographing them. For instance, I came across this Black-and-yellow Argiope (Argiope aurantia) right across from the Case Woodlot on Henderson Drive sometime in August. It was a pretty sizable spider. This also serves as a reminder to be more cautious when venturing into high grass areas, something I tend to do often.

When they’re small, like the one I found on the rusty bridge railing, they don’t bother me as much. It’s the web that gets to me. A few times, I’ve gotten tangled in a spider web, and it really creeps me out. As for being bitten, I think I have been. Once, while hiking in Cape Breton about five years ago, I got bitten on the neck. I had a small reaction, but nothing serious.

And this little creature, which I shook off Matthew’s jacket on the Nokiidaa Trail boardwalk back in November, is pictured below. I’m not sure what it is, but hopefully, it was harmless.

So, winter is coming. The days are getting colder and shorter, which means less time outside with the camera. But I took a lot of images this spring, summer, and fall, so I’m sure there will be plenty of material for me to write about living in Aurora.

COMMENTS

Will said: December 29, 2011 at 03:32

“Creepy Anna. I don’t like spiders either, but they are mostly harmless and many very beneficial. Did you know that most of us have swallowed one or two in our sleep? Or maybe that is an urban myth?”