Eek! Huge spiders are creeping up in Wisconsin

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is receiving more sighting reports of the large fishing spider.

Linda Williams of the DNR tells Press-Gazette Media that while two or three fishing spider sightings annually are typical in the region, she has received 10 reports this year and has personally seen four spiders herself.

They are found around rivers, streams or lakes, but frequently drift elsewhere to find food or lay eggs.

The spider can reach three inches in size but isn't harmful to humans. It's known for being aggressive enough hunt small fish or tadpoles.

Michael Draney, a spider expert at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, says he too has noticed an increase in sightings, especially of the "dark fishing spider," which is one of six variations.