Hey! A Tarantula Bit Me! (for Kids)

Listenmp3Print What's a Tarantula? A tarantula is a hairy spider that is part of the arachnid family, which also includes mites, ticks, and scorpions. Tarantulas are found all over the world and can grow up to 5 inches long, but those found in the United States are usually about 2 to 3 inches long (about the length of a crayon). Tarantulas can be black, brown, gray, or even brightly colored. Most people are afraid of tarantulas because they are so large and weird-looking, but the truth is that these spiders are not dangerous. They live in nests in the ground and are pretty timid, avoiding people whenever they can. What a Bite Looks and Feels Like If a person gets bitten by a tarantula, the bite will probably feel a lot like a bee sting, with pain in the area of the bite. It will look like a bee sting, too, with redness and some swelling. Because the tarantula's venom (poison) is weak, it's unusual to have more severe reactions involving other parts of the body. What You Should Do If yo...