Wharf Spiders

Under the wharf and deck area at the lake live these huge Wharf Spiders. This is a photo of a small one about 3 inches across. They are very territorial and at times may try to chase you off the deck when they are in a bad mood. They build webs under the dock and catch lots of bugs, and some say small fish and children.

All I know is that they creep me out, and have all my life growing up in Maine. I remember several occasions as a child here on Washington Pond being chased off the dock by some big grand daddy Wharfer that knew I was no match for him. I would even go to say my mother, who is afraid of nothing, (and just might kill you if you make her mad), is terrified by these gigantic Maine spiders. It's good to know there is something on this here earth that makes that woman back down a bit.

Every day when my wife and 2 year old venture out for a swim, as they go down the wood steps into the lake, the Wharfers scamper away to not get stepped on. To see their cute little toes casually step along the same path where these monsters live is a bit unsettling for me.

Let me tell you this: Nature is NOT your friend. The Environment has no intention of saving YOU. Pretty much everything out there wants to eat you in one way or another. Whether it's the coyotes across the lake, the mosquitoes, or simply bacteria, nature wants a big bite of you. Sure I love it here. I have a lot of respect for nature, and keeping the land pure and protected. I just happen to know that nature has very little respect for me.