Shy Giant Spiders Invade Southeastern U.S.

The Joro spider, an invasive species from East Asia, has rapidly spread across the Southeastern U.S. since arriving in Georgia in 2013. Despite their imposing size, these spiders are surprisingly timid and freeze for over an hour when disturbed, making them more afraid of humans than the reverse. The Joro spider's shyness may help them thrive in urban environments, where they encounter noise, vibrations, and visual stimuli. While they may be invasive, Joro spiders are not aggressive and are relatively harmless to people and pets.