Debunking Nature Superstitions
Posted on September 13, 2024
Ahhh Friday the 13th, we meet again. Every year (and sometimes twice, or even three times), this foreboding day inspires people all over the world to avoid things like ladders, mirrors, and black cats to prevent being cursed with years of bad luck.
Along with these well-known superstitions, there are several that are specifically tied to nature. Some of these superstitions perpetuate harmful stereotypes for a few of our favorite creatures, while others are simply silly and fun. Read on as we debunk the serious, the silly, and everything in between!
Superstition #1: If you disturb this spider’s web, it will weave your name into the new one.
According to an old folk tale, if you disturb the web of a yellow garden spider, it will weave in your name when it rebuilds the web, spelling trouble for you. This is impossible for a host of reasons (the main one being that spiders can’t spell). Although it can't write your name, this spider does form a cool, zig-zag pattern called a stabilimentum in the center of its web.
Superstition #2: Bats “vant to suck your blood."
You can thank our friend Bram Stoker for this one. While vampire bats exist, they are not found in the U.S., and they are the exception—not the rule. Of over 1400 bat species, only three are sanguivores (animals that consume the blood of other animals). These vampire bats are found in arid and humid regions of Mexico, Central America, and South America. They normally feed on livestock and very rarely bite humans. In Michigan, we have 9 species of insect-eating bats, such as the red bat shown below.
Superstition #3: If you step into a ring of mushrooms, you will become invisible and fairies will force you to dance forever.
While we don’t know anyone this has happened to, permanent invisibility is difficult to disprove…
All jokes aside, circular formations of fungi (often called “fairy rings”) are a novel sight, and they’re formed in an interesting way. Check out this video to learn more!
Superstition #4: Toads give you warts.
This is a widely distributed claim, but it’s not true. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is only carried by humans. The wart-like bumps you see on toads are glands containing a toxic liquid that they secrete when feeling threatened. Go forth and touch toads freely! Just wash your hands afterward—and don’t lick them.
Superstition #5: It’s bad luck for a black cat to cross your hiking path.
If you see a black cat on a Chikaming Open Lands preserve, it’s probably just Shadow, our Education and Outreach Coordinator’s black adventure cat (who is very respectful and always wears his leash).
Well, unless it’s this black cat. Someone dumped this bedazzled black panther at Robinson Woods last year. Watch out! It just might reappear during this year's Enchanted Forest…
There you have it! Now get out there and enjoy nature without fear, Friday the 13th or not!
