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Spiders and snakes. Innocence be damned

BY Staraj on March 25, 2013
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Goliath Birdeater on the left. Eastern Hognose on the right.

\"Like all tarantulas, Goliath Birdeaters have fangs large enough to break the skin of a human. They carry venom in their fangs and have been known to bite when threatened, but the venom is relatively harmless and its effects are comparable to those of a wasp's sting. However, because of its naturally large size, it is not uncommon for this species to kill and consume a variety of vertebrates. In the wild, larger species of tarantula have been seen feeding on rodents, frogs, lizards, bats, and even venomous snakes.\"

\"When threatened, the Eastern Hognose's neck is flattened and the head is raised off the ground, not unlike a cobra. They also hiss and will strike, but they do not attempt to bite. The result can be likened to a high speed head-butt. If this threat display does not work to deter a would-be predator, a hognose snake will often roll onto its back and play dead, going so far as to emit a foul musk from its cloaca and let its tongue hang out of its mouth.\"

Seemingly disarming information from Wikipedia on these two. Doesn't matter. If a human being — much, much larger — sees one of these guys first, a quick and determined execution will ensue.

Alas, it ain't easy minding your own business — while looking like a menace to society.

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