Giant spiders prompt panic in India

They're dark, hairy... and causing considerable panic in one community in northeast India. Several people in the area have been bitten and two people are dead after being treated by witch doctors.

In both cases, razor blades were used to drain the wounds. While it isn't yet clear whether it was the bite or the blade that killed them, officials are urging locals to stay calm.

Government officials say a bite from one of these creepy crawlers isn't deadly.

SOUNDBITE: Spider-Bite Victim Mina Kurmi saying (Assamese):

"When I saw the spider, I tried to catch it and throw it away. It bit me and the wound has gone black and is bleeding. It burns and is very painful."

Government warning aside, villagers aren't taking any chances. For now, they're sleeping with the lights on.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters.