It seems as though it was only yesterday that we were enjoying the last little slither of September sunshine – now we’re donning the extra layers and getting really wrapped up for the chilly, Autumnal (soon to be Winter) evenings! With Halloween quickly approaching, we wanted to explore everything we love and adore about the spookiest day of the year.
As we’re lovers of all creatures, great and small, we saw All Hallows’ Eve as the perfect opportunity to research our scariest, and creepiest friends. Be it bats, spiders, snakes, wolves – they’re all known to trigger a little goose-bump or a spine-chilling shiver from time to time! Why is this? After all, we’re probably at least 50 times bigger than most of these creepy crawlies so really, they should be scared of us if anything!
We’ve uncovered some unlikely characteristics of the most fear-evoking creatures out there.
Flapping around an eerie graveyard, dangling from the ceiling of an abandoned house – there’s a common misconception that bats are dangerous and creepy. A little known fact is that bats are actually integral to our ecosystem – so much so, that it is actually illegal to kill a bat, or even to simply disturb their roosting areas. They’re a wildlife defender as well as a pest controller – with some species eating up to 1,000 mosquito-size insects in one hour!
A vulture is a name given to scavenging birds of prey. Their hunching bodies and intimidating stature leave many of us feeling threatened and we’re put-off (to say the least) by their regular feasting on dying carcasses. But if we inspect them a little more closely, there’s a lot to admire. For example, vultures prevent the spread of life-threatening diseases such as rabies, so they’re extremely vital in terms of biological waste control!
With their large eyes, a cutting stare and heads that can rotate 270 degrees – is it any wonder owls are considered ever-so-slightly freaky? Even today, many cultures believe that owls are symbolic of death, bad luck and ill health. In some tribal legends in the Americas, owls are associated with spirits of the dead! However, in western culture, owls are often associated with wisdom – hence why we often see owls used in libraries and schools. Barn owls mate for life, and enjoy cuddling with their families. When one mate dies, the other one becomes depressed, and may end up dying soon after, too.
Tarantulas are one of the most feared species – their large hairy bodies and legs make us want to run a mile instantaneously. What you may not know though, is that tarantulas are completely harmless towards humans, and their venom is much weaker than that of a bee! Additionally, tarantulas are most fearful of people so the chances are that you won’t come into any danger around these fuzzy-legged friends.
Fast, sharp and fierce – wolves are intelligent and mysterious creatures. Although wolves are notoriously the terrifying villain described in countless fairy tales and fables – within their packs, wolves are generally friendly and respectful towards one another. The male and female leaders of the pack breed and then other members club together to help rear the offspring. Some scientists avoid using the term ‘alpha’ when it comes to wolves – this is because, regardless of hierarchy, wolves develop close relationships and strong social bonds – sometimes even sacrificing themselves for the family unit.
What do you think? Going to be cosying up next to any tarantulas anytime soon? Comment below and let us know what animal spooks you the most, and give us the reasons why! We might be able to convince you otherwise…