Eek-cology of Halloween

Halloween is almost here! This was my favorite holiday when I was a kid. Now that I’m too old to go out getting candy from strangers, I stay home and give candy to strangers. This year, I will give you a quick look at the eek-cology of Halloween, some of the wild animals we connect with the holiday. Facts are courtesy of the pages of http://www.halloween.com/all-about-halloween/

Bats: Hungry for insects, bats were often seen chasing those that were drawn to the bonfires of the early Samhain celebration. They were believed to be connected to the spirit world. Bats are also associated with vampires.

Bat in flight

Spiders: Spiders just creep people out. That could be the number one reason they are associated with Halloween. Haunted houses of lore, which are typically abandoned, are full of spider webs. In medieval times, they were associated with witches. I think another likely reason they are a Halloween symbols is that it’s almost impossible to go outside this time of year without walking into a web.

Orb weaver

Owls: Owls were also spotted near the Samhain bonfires and were believed to be connected to the spirit world. They are associated with witches. In the dark of night, the owl’s cry can be an eerie sound.

Great horned owl

Wolves: Wolves are an animal that has long been feared. Adding to that fear is the legend of werewolves, cursed people who change into wolves by the light of the full moon. 

Tundra wolf at Northwest Trek, Eatonville, WA

Have fun and stay safe!