Spooky Season Truth: Spiders Are Flying in Oklahoma

One of my favorite YouTube storytellers, Mr. Ballen, often starts some of his videos with: "Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction." You're about to learn about some of the craziest truths in Oklahoma that are perfect for the spooky season.

Some studies show that 3% and 15% of the world's population has arachnophobia, which is a deep-seated fear of spiders. For those who shiver at the thought of spiders or sweat at the thought of one creepily crawling down your arm, you'll want to pay close attention to your yards in Oklahoma right now.

Because it's not just spooky season - it's spider-flying season, too.

Baby spiders are "ballooning" in Oklahoma this fall.

So, fun fact: spiders can lay anywhere between 100 to 2,000 eggs at once (depending on the type of spider). It's safe to say that there's plenty of competition in the area once they break free from their eggs and are out on their own.

But nature always finds a way to make things work. In an effort to get away from competition and find their food, baby spiders let the wind take them where they need to go - literally.

READ MORE: This Altus Event Is Something Lawton Should Do Next! 

Meteorologist Matt Damon said that "they climb to a tall point,point their abdomen to the wind and release a silk web to let the wind carry it elsewhere" so that they can hopefully find more food somewhere else.

Trust me, I didn't want to believe this either. However, it is a very real phenomenon called "ballooning." The good news is, though, you won't have to waste your money on the fake spider webs at the dollar store for the perfect Halloween setup around your yard.

What are some other spooky truths about Oklahoma? Tell us more through the app.

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