Wolf spider bites in Utah
Utah has 79 verified wolf spider records in the GBIF biodiversity database — ranking it 8th nationally. Sightings concentrate in July to October. The bite itself appears immediate sharp pain and lasts usually resolves in a few days.
| Verified records | 79 |
|---|---|
| Peak sightings | July to October |
| State bite season | April to October |
| Active | night — this spider hunts on the ground rather than building a web |
| Habitat | lawns, gardens, garages and basements across the whole country |
| Bite appears | immediate sharp pain |
Identifying it in Utah
Large, hairy, fast, and frightening at close range — but medically unremarkable. Wolf spiders bite defensively when pressed against skin, the pain is immediate and sharp, and the reaction stays local. Their size makes them the spider most often blamed for bites they did not cause.
Locally, the species most often confused with it are honey bee sting, mosquito bite, paper wasp sting — all of which are also recorded in Utah.
Seek medical care if
- spreading redness, warmth or pus over the following days
- fever
Season in Utah specifically
Records in Utah concentrate in July to October, which is what local sighting data shows rather than a national average — seasonality shifts substantially with latitude. The general bite season in Utah runs April to October.
Because lawns, gardens, garages and basements across the whole country, exposure in Utah tends to be concentrated in specific places rather than spread evenly — which is why a bite history ("where were you in the 24 hours before?") narrows the answer faster than the appearance of the mark.
Care
- wash with soap and water
- cold pack, elevate, over-the-counter pain relief
- watch for signs of infection over the next few days
Avoiding them in Utah
- shoes on in the garden at night
- seal gaps around doors and basement windows
Questions
When are wolf spiders active in Utah?
Utah records peak in July to October. The general bite season in Utah runs April to October.
Are they common in Utah?
Utah accounts for 79 verified records in GBIF, ranking it 8th among states for this species. Records reflect reporting effort as well as abundance.
What does the bite look like?
a red swollen area with two faint puncture points, red. Single site.
Get a photo assessment in the app
Everything above is free to read. The app adds what a page cannot: point your camera at the bite and get an assessment of the most likely cause, a severity read, and a day-by-day care plan — including the specific signs that mean you should be seen.
iPhone and iPad. Free to download.