Fishing Spiders Spotted in Wisconsin

Fishing spiders, the largest and one of the six variations of the species, has been spotted in Wisconsin more times this year than is typical, according to local reports.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says that they have received more than 10 reports this year about sightings of this large, dark arachnid.

On Thursday, the DNR posted a picture on their Facebook page showing an enormous, terrifying spider, asking whether people have seen it. So far, the picture has received 2,000 comments and was shared over 10,000 times.

"Fishing spiders are one of our native species of spider," Linda Williams, a forest health specialist with the state DNR in Green Bay, explained to 620WTMJ. "Most people never see fishing spiders because they're very well camouflaged, but they're out there hunting."

According to the DNR's Facebook post, fishing spiders are one of the largest species of spiders, which feed on very small fish as well as tadpoles, and even sometimes slugs.

"It's really kind of unique. We don't have a lot of spiders that are capable of doing that," Williams commented.

These eight-legged creatures can grow up to three inches across, and typically hang around stream and lakes, but they can range inland for a mile or more. The photo released shows a female fishing spider guarding her egg sac.

And even though these spiders aren't dangerous to humans, most people do not like that sightings are becoming more frequent.

"If these are becoming common in Wisconsin then I'm moving to Antarctica," one person commented on Facebook.

A fishing spider won't bite a human unless it's provoked. But in the case that you are bitten, it would feel like something probably less than a bee sting. It would be your average spider bite," Williams said.

If you come across one of these giant spiders, you should let it be or take it outside if you find it in your garage or home... if you're brave enough.