As humans, we often think of animals as either wild or domesticated. However, sometimes we are surprised when a wild animal turns up on our doorstep and makes itself comfortable in our homes. This was the case for one homeowner who found herself with an unlikely house guest – an orange spider.

The homeowner, who lives in Florida, first noticed the spider when she was cleaning her porch. She saw the brightly colored arachnid perched on a chair and was immediately struck by its vivid hue. Curious about the spider’s unusual coloration, the homeowner did some research and discovered that it was a type of orb-weaver spider called the marbled orb-weaver.

Despite her initial trepidation about having a spider in her home, the homeowner soon warmed up to her new guest. She even gave the spider a name – Charlotte, after the famous spider in E.B. White’s classic book, Charlotte’s Web. The homeowner would check on Charlotte every day, and marvel at her intricate web spinning skills.

Over time, Charlotte became somewhat of a celebrity in the homeowner’s neighborhood. Visitors would stop by specifically to see the orange spider lounging on the porch, and the homeowner even created a Facebook page to document Charlotte’s daily activities.

While the thought of having a spider in one’s home may make some people shudder, experts say that orb-weaver spiders are not harmful to humans. In fact, they are beneficial to have around as they eat insects like mosquitoes and flies. While it is not recommended to handle spiders, these kind of spiders are not known to be aggressive and will typically only bite if they feel threatened. So, as long as the spider is left alone, there is nothing to fear.

In a world where humans are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature, having an unconventional house guest like Charlotte can be a reminder of our connection to the natural world. As the homeowner wrote on Charlotte’s Facebook page, “It’s not every day that you get to welcome a creature from nature into your home, especially one as beautiful and talented as Charlotte.”

So, if you ever find yourself with an unexpected animal visitor in your home, take a moment to appreciate their presence and the wonder of the natural world.