There are thousands of unique species of spiders in North America, but only a few are known to be dangerous to humans. Spider venom has evolved to target smaller victims like bugs and other tiny creatures rather than large mammals like us.

It’s crucial to understand that venomous and poisonous spiders differ from one another. While poisonous spiders have toxins in their tissue that are harmful to any organism that ingests them, venomous spiders may produce their own toxins and also directly deliver them to their victim through fangs.

Fortunately, most bites from venomous spiders, including those that release harmful neurotoxins, may be treated rapidly with spider antivenin. In the USA, however, a spider bite results in the deaths of an estimated four individuals annually.