GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) -- At least two invasive Joro spiders have been spotted in Cades Cove, a Great Smoky Mountains National Park spokesperson confirmed to 6 News.
On Wednesday, the park shared that the first Joro spider was spotted on October 17. The second was spotted more recently, the spokesperson shared.
According to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the National Park Service is assessing the presence of the spiders in the park to determine if any management actions will be taken. The spokesperson added that more research is needed to understand the impacts of Joro spiders on native species.
While the Joro spider may be startling, with it's bright yellow and black coloring, up-to-palm-sized stature and unusual mode of transportation, overall experts say the species is not something to be too concerned about. It is native to Asia, but has been in the United States for at least a decade. They've been spotted in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and some reported sightings say they may have also reached Alabama, Maryland, Oklahoma, and West Virginia.
Perhaps one of the most interesting (or for some, alarming) traits of the species is that young Joro spiders use the tactic of "ballooning," which involves using their web to catch wind and parachute through the air up to 100 miles, according to ABC. Then, they build webs wherever they land.
Joro spiders are part of a group of spiders called orb-weavers and spin golden colored webs. While the species is invasive, scientists think the Joro spider may be helpful in eliminating mosquitos and biting flies. They are also one of the few that catch and eat brown marmorated stink bugs, which are also invasive. According to CBS, the Joro spider's web can be up to 10 feet wide.
Joro spiders do have venom, like other spiders, but they aren't dangerous to humans. One expert previously shared with the Associated Press that a bite from a Joro spider might itch or cause an allergic reaction, but the species tends to be very shy and stays out of the way of humans.