ANTELOPE ISLAND—In an event that would be a nightmare for arachnophobes, and fascinating for naturalists, Antelope Island is shining a light on perhaps nature’s most misunderstood creepy-crawlies: the spider. With the huge population of the critters on the island, it’s the “Elephant in the Room” says Park Naturalist Trish Ackley, and rather than ignore them, the park has chosen to celebrate these eight-legged helpers. 

“The spiders,” said Ackley, “are really the good guys,” and as anyone who has visited Antelope Island during the height of fly and midge season knows, this is absolutely true. Spider-Fest, which has quickly grown to be the second largest event in the park, second only to the Bison Round-up, shines a light literally and figuratively on these helpful, albeit off-putting creatures, and helps to educated visitors about their important role in the ecosystem. 

Despite the prevalence of arachnophobia in society, people in Davis can’t seem to get enough of the spiders on Antelope Island. The event started out in the visitors center, but, the attendance soon outgrew that space, and migrated down to the marina, which, as Ackley pointed out, provides for some great viewing opportunities: the closer to the water, there are more flies, more spiders, and bigger spiders too.

As one might imagine, the spiders on Antelope Island contribute greatly to their ecosystem. Without them, and other insectivores, the island, and the homes in Davis would be overrun by an unchecked fly, mosquito, and midge population. These little island helpers have their work cut out for them, and of course they don’t and can’t catch every fly, but they keep the populations much more manageable than they would be otherwise. 

But what spiders will attendees get to see? More than perhaps any other species on the island, attendees will see the Western Spotted Orb Weaver. These industrious spiders spin some of the most iconic webs in the region: the traditional circular web that looks like something right out of a Halloween decoration store. They’re not the only ones either: also present will likely be funnel spiders, grass spiders, and even possible is an appearance by the Black Widow.

“All spiders are technically ‘venomous’” said Ackley, but few are actually dangerous to people, like the Black Widow. The comforting thing to remember, assured Ackley, is that just like our parents told us, they are much more afraid of people than people are of them. This does make sense, given the fact that, to them, we’re enormous, towering figures – any bite on their part, said Ackley, is reactionary, they never go on the offensive. 

For those who still aren’t feeling up to seeing these animals up close, there’s still plenty to do and learn. As in past years, there will be crafts for the kids and adults, spider poetry, a photo contest, scavenger hunts and more. Spider Fest 2024 will be held on July 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and starts at the Antelope Island Marina. More information on Spider Fest and any other activities and events on Antelope Island can be found at stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island.