YouTuber Jack Schonhoff deliberately allowed a Black Widow spider to bite him in an attempt to debunk myths surrounding its venom. He documented the painful experience on his Jack’s World of Wildlife channel, explaining that while the bite was excruciating, it was not life-threatening. He described the pain as the worst he had ever felt, particularly in his lower back, and noted that it took nearly two weeks to feel completely normal again.
Schonhoff conducted the experiment to challenge the common belief that a Black Widow bite is always fatal. He emphasized that deaths are rare, usually occurring only in individuals who are immunocompromised or allergic to the venom. However, he strongly advised against provoking the spiders, explaining that they are not naturally aggressive and typically bite only when trapped against human skin.
In his video, he urged people to be cautious when handling items where Black Widows may hide, such as shoes or stored clothing. While he downplayed the danger of their bite, he warned viewers that other spiders, such as the Brazilian Wandering Spider and the Australian Funnel-web, have far deadlier venom.
The stunt has sparked debate, with some praising his educational approach and others criticizing him for risking his health unnecessarily. Despite the controversy, Schonhoff stands by his experiment, stating that it provides a realistic look at the effects of a Black Widow bite.
