Man intentionally gets bitten by black widow spiders to ‘debunk myths’ and the results are surprising

It sounds like you’re sharing a story about a YouTuber named Jack Schonhoff, who intentionally allowed a Black Widow spider to bite him to challenge common myths about the spider’s venom. Here’s a simplified and expanded version of the story:

Jack Schonhoff, who runs an educational wildlife YouTube channel, decided to take on a risky experiment to show what happens when a Black Widow spider bites a person. Black Widows are often feared for their venom, which has a reputation for being deadly. However, Jack wanted to prove that the reality might not be as extreme as people think.

In his video, Jack documented the entire process, from getting bitten to recovering from the effects of the venom. While the bite was far from pleasant, Jack’s experience showed that the venom, though painful, is not usually fatal for healthy individuals. He described the pain as some of the worst he’s ever felt, particularly in his lower back, and it took him nearly two weeks to feel completely normal again. Despite the intense discomfort, Jack survived the bite without any life-threatening consequences.

Jack explained that Black Widows are not aggressive spiders and rarely bite humans unless they feel threatened or are pressed against skin. He emphasized that the spiders’ dangerous reputation is somewhat exaggerated, as only a small number of people—typically those who are already immunocompromised or have allergic reactions—die from their bites each year. For most people, a Black Widow bite results in severe pain and discomfort but is not deadly.

To avoid getting bitten, Jack advised people to be cautious when handling items left outside, like shoes or clothing, as Black Widows might hide in them. He stressed that simple precautions, such as checking these items before putting them on, can prevent bites.

While Jack’s experiment showed that Black Widows aren’t as deadly as many believe, he also warned viewers not to underestimate other dangerous spiders. For example, the Brazilian Wandering Spider and the Australian Funnelweb Spider have venom that can be fatal if not treated promptly. These spiders are far more aggressive and dangerous than Black Widows.

In summary, Jack’s experiment aimed to debunk myths about Black Widows, showing that their bites, while extremely painful, are rarely fatal for healthy individuals. However, he also reminded viewers to respect nature and avoid unnecessary risks, especially with more dangerous species.