I’m still not convinced…
In a bid to prove a rather bizarre point, a YouTuber decided to get a Black Widow spider to bite him, on purpose, and documented what happened next.
If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to have spider venom searing through your veins, Jack Schonhoff has you covered — and trust me, he’s got the scars to prove it.
On his wildlife education YouTube channel, Jack dives headfirst into encounters with some of nature’s most dangerous creatures. Whether he’s enduring brutal bites, excruciating stings, or testing just how deadly certain creatures really are in his gripping series ‘How DEADLY is the bite of…’, Jack’s pain is your gain.
In his chilling series ‘How DEADLY is the bite of…’, Jack Schonhoff took on the infamous Black Widow spider — and the results make for some seriously unsettling viewing.
Known for its fearsome reputation, the Black Widow’s bite is rarely fatal, with only about four in eight victims dying from its venom each year, according to Adam’s Pests. Fatalities are typically limited to those who are immunocompromised or suffer an allergic reaction — but that doesn’t mean it’s a risk worth taking.
Jack’s encounter revealed just how brutal the aftermath can be. The venom unleashed a wave of intense pain and discomfort, with Jack describing the resulting lower back pain as “the most painful it’s been in my entire life.” It’s a stark reminder that some things are better left to the experts — and that nature’s deadliest creatures don’t need a body count to leave a lasting mark.
Jack’s ordeal didn’t end with the initial pain — it took him nearly two weeks to feel completely back to normal. Despite the excruciating experience, Jack shared his video to highlight an important message: Black Widows aren’t as deadly as their fearsome reputation implies, but they’re still no joke.
“Essentially, [the bite] is terrible, it hurts, but it’s not going to kill you,” Jack explained.
He emphasized that Black Widows are extremely reluctant to bite and will usually only strike if they feel threatened — like being pinned against your skin.
For those hoping to steer clear of these venomous critters, Jack offered some simple advice:
🕷️ Check your shoes if you’ve left them outside.
🕷️ Inspect clothing or gear stored in garages or sheds before putting them on.
It’s a small effort that could save you from a world of pain.
“It’s as simple as that. These spiders are not aggressive,” Jack reassured. But while the Black Widow may not be out for blood, other spiders in nature certainly are — and they come with venom potent enough to be deadly.
Take the Brazilian Wandering Spider, for example. With highly toxic venom, this spider can be fatal if left untreated — though, thankfully, there’s an effective anti-venom available.
And then there’s the Funnelweb Spider, a fiercely aggressive species native to Australia. Its bite is so venomous that if left untreated, it could take down a healthy adult within just three days. If you spot one, your best bet? Run for the hills. It’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with these lethal arachnids.