Fishing spiders - large, frightening arachnids - are being spotted in several areas Wisconsin. The eight-legged animals reach up to three inches in length, making them the largest spider found in the state.

Spider reports have come into the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from residents in Oconto, Door, Fond du Lac, and Marinette County.

Fishing spiders get their name from their ability to hunt small fish and other creatures under water. The sizable arachnids do not construct webs, instead trapping prey in order to eat.

There have been at least 10 reports of fishing spiders in Wisconsin during this latest spate of sightings. During a typical year, the DNS in the sate will only hear two to three reports of the animals, making this year highly-unusual.

"The most common one we've been receiving reports about is the dark fishing spider. They often live next to water and can catch small fish and tadpoles to eat, but they can range inland as well to hunt and lay their eggs," the Wisconsin DNR reported on their Facebook page.

Fishing spiders in the wild typically live around streams, rivers and other water bodies, where they lay there eggs. The eight-legged animals can quickly scurry across the ground, as well as the surface of the water in search of food or for protection. Tadpoles are a staple source of food for the spiders, as well small fish. When these prey sources are not available, they will consume other insects in order to feed their hunger.

In developed areas, the creatures hunt and lay eggs in yards and near bridges and riverbanks.

Arachnophobes in the Badger State will not want to encounter one of the oversized insects.

"It's going to freak them out. It is pretty impressive," Linda Williams, from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said.

Fishing spiders are native to Wisconsin and they are occasionally found throughout the American Midwest. The animals come in six varieties, including the dark fishing spider.

Despite their size, fishing spiders are not dangerous to humans, excpet those allergic to the venom. The animals are shy around humans, and when they do bite people, the results are usually nothing more than that produced by a typical mosquito. The spiders most often attack when people pick them up. Tarantulas can grow up to twice the size of their smaller cousins, and their bite, similar to a bee sting, is more powerful.

Fishing spiders live to be up to three years old, making it difficult to pinpoint what may be responsible for the rise in population.