Danger: Latrodectus

In Arkansas, the really pretty things have a tendency to double as dangerous things. We have alligators, bears, bees, black widows, cougars, copperheads, cottonmouths, fire ants, rattlesnakes, tornadoes, and disease-carrying parasites to name a few.

Here's a great sunset over the Arkansas River. Just below the giant developing anvil cloud is Pinnacle Mountain. No swimming! And this would be a black widow by my trash can. We have several in our garage and far more living in the outside corners of our windows and doors. Check your shoes!