When it comes to the animal kingdom, there’s the majestic lion, the elegant peacock, the adorable red panda … and the terrifying tarantula?! While animal lovers bond over mammals, marine life and more, many people have a fear of species, such as bats and spiders. But are these creatures as creepy as people think?
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Host Peter Gros doesn’t think we should be afraid of spiders, bats and other “spooky” animals. Learn more about these species, how they help the environment and how we can coexist. You may even develop a liking for them!
Don’t be scared of spiders
Spiders: They may be creepy and crawly, but they’re an essential part of our ecosystem. Spiders help keep insect populations, including mosquitos, in check. Some spiders will consume up to 2,000 insects per year.
“The most harmful animals they eat are cockroaches,” Peter said. Many spiders’ prey are disease-carrying insects. So, spiders won’t harm you — instead, they’ll help you!
Spiders’ predators include birds, lizards and other small animals. “If we got rid of them, the direct result is we could lose bird species that depend on them,” Peter said.
Tarantula facts
Perhaps one of the most feared spiders is the tarantula. “They’re portrayed in Hollywood inaccurately as aggressive animals looking for people to bite,” Peter said. “But the opposite is true. Most tarantulas rarely bite.”
Get to know the tarantula with these facts:
- They’re the largest spider on Earth.
- There are more than 1,000 species of tarantulas.
- They’re nature’s way of keeping insect, mice and small rats in check.
- Leave them be. They have tiny hair-like hooks that they can flick on your face or eyes as a defensive mechanism.
Watch this video for more tarantula facts.
The truth about bats
Long associated with Halloween and vampires, bats are feared by many. But once you get to know them, they’re not so scary after all, Peter says.
“Having done the Protecting the Wild episode, ‘The Bats of Texas,’ changed my attitude about bats,” Peter said. “Literally millions of bats came out of the cave and were going to eat tons of insects that night in farmlands.”
In the episode, Peter and Co-Host Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant watched as bats exited Bracken Cave around dusk, headed to feed on insects. By doing so, these bats act as natural pesticides, protecting our crops.
“Even if you don’t like bats, think of the purposes to save them,” Peter said. Not only are bats great at keeping insects in check, but their guano is also a rich fertilizer, used throughout the world.
One way you can help bats in your area is by building a bat box in your backyard or neighborhood. This small step can go a long way in protecting bats and giving them a safe home outdoors, instead of inside your house. Learn how to build a bat box with the National Wildlife Federation.
Other bat facts include:
- They hibernate in caves and survive during freezing temperatures.
- Pollen bats are immune to the venom from scorpions.
- Austin, Texas, is home to one of the largest populations of bats, with 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats living under the city’s South Congress Ave. Bridge.
Are these animals as scary as we think?
“Even if they aren’t as cute as a panda bear or as beautiful as a bald eagle, every animal has a purpose in the natural world,” Peter said. “In one way or another, they’re all connected.”
There’s no reason to fear bats or spiders, Peter says. Simply keep your distance and appreciate their role in nature.
What to do if you find them in your home
If you do happen to discover a bat or spider inside your house, don’t panic. Instead, follow these steps.
For spiders:
- Get a jar and a piece of paper.
- Carefully place the jar on top of the spider.
- Slide the paper under the jar, making a seal.
- Pick up the jar and paper and head outside to release the spider.
If you find a bat, simply open the windows and doors. “Ninety percent of the time they’ll just fly out,” Peter said. “They generally tend to fly toward daylight.” If that doesn’t work, call your local animal control to safely remove the bat from your house.
So, the next time you see a “creepy” animal, don’t be afraid. Think of the ways it’s helping shape our ecosystem.
Discover more information about bat conservation and learn why you should keep spider web decorations all-natural.
