The Joro spider isn't here yet, but these 2 venomous creatures are native to Delaware
Delaware is a wonderful place to go outdoors and enjoy.
From the beaches along the Delaware coasts to all the parks and state forest trails, First State residents have numerous opportunities to go outside and have some fun.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't proceed with caution when heading into the outdoors.
No, Delaware hasn't been invaded by the infamous Joro spider, at least for now. However, there are some dangerous critters in the First State.
Spider coming to Delaware: The flying, venomous Joro spider could be making its way to Delaware. Here’s what to know
What are the venomous creatures in Delaware?
There are two known venomous creatures native to Delaware.
Eastern Copperhead snake
According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, copperheads are one of the easiest snakes to identify in Delaware. Although often reported throughout the state, this species is found only in southern Sussex County and near Wilmington. Along with its copper-colored head and cat-like vertical pupils, the copperhead is the only species of snake in Delaware that has dark hourglass-shaped crossbands that are narrowest at the center of the back and wider at the belly. Bites from copperheads are uncommon and 25% of defensive bites from a copperhead are "dry bites" or don't contain venom. The venom can cause severe tissue damage to the bite area, but death from a copperhead bite is extremely rare.
If bitten, you should try to get a photo of the snake and get medical attention as soon as possible.
Black widow spiders
Black widow spiders are the only venomous spiders native to Delaware. The spiders are usually found in woodpiles, under eaves, fences and other areas where debris has accumulated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They may also be found living in outdoor toilets where flies are plentiful. A bite from a black widow can be distinguished from other insect bites by the two puncture marks it makes in the skin. The venom is a neurotoxin that produces pain at the bite area and then spreads to the chest, abdomen, or the entire body.
While the bites are rarely fatal, people should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Although these are the only native venomous creatures in Delaware, snakes and spiders don't understand borders so it's possible to see brown recluse spiders or timber rattlesnakes so be careful.
Emergency rooms and urgent care facilities near me in Delaware
Brandywine Medical Center, 3009 DE-92, Brandywine Hundred
Saint Francis Hospital Emergency Room, 701 N. Clayton St., Wilmington
ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital Emergency Department, 501 W. 14th St., Wilmington
Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware - Emergency Department, 1600 Rockland Road, Rockland
ChristianaCare-GoHealth Urgent Care, 2305 Concord Pike, Fairfax
ChristianaCare-GoHealth Urgent Care, 360 Buckley Mill Road, Suite B, Greenville
Claymont Walk-In Care, 2400 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont
Go-Care Urgent Care, 2700 Silverside Road, Brandywine Hundred
ChristianaCare Middletown Emergency Department, 621 Middletown Odessa Road, Middletown
Beebe Healthcare's South Coastal Emergency Department, 2750 Roxana Road, Millville
Christiana Emergency Room, 4755 Ogletown Stanton Road, Ogletown
Bayhealth Emergency Center, 401 N. Carter Road, Smyrna
TidalHealth Nanticoke: Emergency Department, 801 Middleford Road, Seaford
Bayhealth Emergency and Trauma Center, Kent Campus, 625 S. Governors Ave., Dover
Newark Urgent Care, 324 E. Main St., Newark
Beebe Healthcare, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes
ChristianaCare Christiana Hospital, 4755 Ogletown Stanton Road, Stanton
Coastline Medical Walk-IN Center, 907 N. Dupont Blvd., #102, Milford
Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, 640 S. State St., Dover
Camden Walk-In Medical Center (Urgent Care), 4601 S. Dupont Highway. #2, Dover
Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus, 100 Wellness Way, Milford
Responsive medical - Lewes, 1309 Savannah Road, Lewes
Go-Care Urgent Care, 2700 Silverside Road, Brandywine Hundred
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: The Joro spider isn't in Delaware yet but these venomous creatures are
