These Giant Horror-Movie Spiders are Invading New England

Joro spiders are heading to New England and it is the STUFF OF NIGHTMARES.

Joro spiders, oh boy, let me tell you about these eight-legged nightmares!

So you're strolling through your backyard, minding your own business, when suddenly you spot a huge, black and yellow spider hanging out like it owns the place.

How long is it going to take you to pack and book a flight to ANYWHERE?

First off, these arachnids are massive. We're talking bodies as big as your thumb and legs that stretch out like Elastigirl. They look like they've been hitting the gym for eight-legged bodybuilders.

They're not just content with being big and scary; they're also invasive. Originally from Japan, they decided to pack their bags and take a trip to America in 2013. And now they are headed our way.

According to the Boston Globe, "the spiders can use their silks to fly through the air — a behavior known as ballooning — and get carried by the wind to new locales. They’re also capable of hitching rides with humans on cars or in luggage."

Which would be fine, if Joro spiders weren't so BIG. They love spinning ginormous webs. I'm talking about webs that could catch a small dog if you're not careful.

On the flip side, some people say  Joro spiders aren't as terrifying as they seem. Sure, they might look like they star in "Arachnophobia", but they mostly keep to themselves. Plus, they're an unpaid pest control squad, munching on annoying insects like, you know, mosquitoes.

Despite their size, joro spiders aren’t dangerous or aggressive toward humans.

“They are really very timid, and, their fangs are quite short, so if a person were to run into a web (which is quite likely), the spider will probably just run away,” Andy Davis, research scientist at the University of Georgia’s Odum School of Ecology told the Globe back in March. “Even if it wanted to bite you it probably couldn’t!”

Well, that's good news. But this isn't:

"Despite the hustle and bustle of urban environments, these spiders are not just surviving in cities — researchers say they’re thriving, according to StudyFinds.com. "University of Georgia scientists shed light on this phenomenon, revealing that Joro spiders possess an unexpected tolerance for the vibrations and noise that are part and parcel of urban landscape."

Visiting the zoo gives you a chance to get up close and personal with all sorts of animals. You can see creatures that might be super rare or hard to find in the wild. You can witness their behaviors, study their physical features, and gain a deeper understanding of their natural habitats.

Some may even say zoos are like schools because they teach us about wildlife conservation and the environment. You can check out cool displays, take guided tours, and listen to talks that raise awareness about protecting endangered species and keeping our planet healthy.

And you can’t forget that going to the zoo is a great way to spend time with family and friends. People visit zoos to get in touch with nature, learn about wildlife, have fun, and be part of something bigger by supporting conservation.

Here are ten zoos you should visit at least once.

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has a huge variety of animals from all over the world, like elephants, primates, colorful birds, and even marine life. You can get up close and personal with these incredible creatures and learn about the importance of conservation. They have interactive exhibits and fun programs that teach you about wildlife and how to protect it. You can explore underwater habitats and see stunning marine species, from vibrant coral reefs to graceful sea turtles. Visitors can walk through what the zoo calls the world's largest indoor desert and the largest indoor rainforest in North America. And if you don’t feel like walking back from the exhibits, you can take a steam-powered locomotive that circles around the 130-acre park.

The Denver Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 450 species. They offer a schedule of exciting and interactive events, including close encounters with animals and diverse cultural performances. Kids can even join the thrilling 'Bunk with the Beasts' overnight stay, featuring up-close visits with animals, along with a pizza dinner, snack, and breakfast. Outside of the zoo, their Field Conservation and Emergency Wildlife Response teams work to safeguard species from threats like habitat loss and human encroachment.

The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is home to 720 species and houses more than 10,000 individual animals. It places a strong emphasis on conservation, actively participating in over 80 species survival programs. The zoo hosts the popular Toledo Zoo Lights event during the holiday season and collaborates with research institutions. Visitors to the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium can try their hand at the Expedition Africa Aerial Adventure Course. They also have the opportunity to feed a variety of animals, including giraffes, goats, and alpacas.

Zoo Atlanta provides something for everyone, whether you prefer a relaxed walk through the African Savanna or an immersive experience in The Ford African Rain Forest. It's home to more than 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, with many of them endangered. Visitors can see a variety of animals including gorillas, monkeys, and an array of reptiles and amphibians. Also, you'll get a chance to see giant pandas, naked mole rats, clouded leopards, and other animals in the Asian Forest.

Established in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo stands out as one of the few remaining free-admission zoos in the United States. They have a diverse animal population of over 1,200 animals that you can see through the zoo’s self-guided tours and interactive activities. It includes encounters with seals, polar bears, and penguins. It's must-see attraction is the Regenstein Center for African Apes, which houses chimpanzees and gorillas.

Spanning across a 100-acre site, the San Francisco Zoo serves as a sanctuary for over 1,000 wild animals representing more than 250 species. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Koko the gorilla, an iconic figure in primate communication studies. The zoo is home to several major exhibits, including the African Savannah featuring reticulated giraffes, and the Primate Discovery Center housing black howler monkeys, chimpanzees, macaques, mandrills, and more. Visitors can explore the Cat Kingdom, home to Indian rhinoceros, hippopotamus, African lions, snow leopards, Sumatran tigers, and even anacondas.

Zoo Knoxville is famous for a couple of amazing achievements. Back in 1978, they made history by breeding the first two African Elephants ever born in the Western Hemisphere. Zoo Knoxville has bred more endangered red pandas than any other zoo in the world. It also plays a significant role in the conservation of endangered tortoises through its leading breeding efforts.

The Smithsonian National Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park. Founded in 1889, the Zoo is currently home to more than 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species. Like all Smithsonian museums, admission is free. A popular feature of the zoo is its endangered giant pandas which include adults Tian Tian and Mei Xiang and one-year-old Xiao Qi Ji. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the zoo with the Animal Adventure Guide or spend some time chatting with the animal keepers at the Great Ape House. You can also get up close and personal with the American farm animals at the Kids’ Farm.

The San Diego Zoo was established in 1916 and is home to a remarkable collection of animals. With over 12,000 animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies, there is a lot to see and explore. You can encounter fascinating creatures like red pandas, African elephants, and bonobo apes during your visit. One such experience is the "Inside Look" program, which gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the daily life of the zoo. Another must-try is the Skyfari aerial tram, where you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of all the different habitats in the zoo.

The Bronx Zoo occupies more than 265 acres. Within this space, there are over 10,000 animals for you to encounter. Plan to spend a whole day there. They offer a range of experiences, such as the Treetop Adventure, where visitors can enjoy ziplining through the trees. You can also visit the zoo's Butterfly Garden and witness over a dozen types of butterflies among meadow flowers and nectar trays. You don't want to miss the Congo Gorilla Forest or the Wild Asia Monorail.