One of the MKSS cooks was apparently bitten by a brown recluse spider, otherwise known as a violin spider. The spiders have been reported in Hilo and Waimea, but were not thought to be as high as Hale Pohaku. The bite from these spiders is very serious, and can develop into a large open wound if left untreated. Please report any sightings or bites to the MKSS office. If you are bitten, the initial symptoms are likely to be mild, but will worsen after a few hours.
Please see a doctor if you feel that you have been bitten.
The adult spider is brown and may be as large as a quarter, including the legs. They tend to hide during the day and hunt at night. More information is available at the Hale Pohaku office.
If you are staying at Hale Pohaku, please examine a picture of the spider and learn more about its features, habitat, bite and control.