Are the things they say about camel spiders true?

Question

I may possibly have to go to Iraq and I am cencerned about getting over my fear of these spiders

Answer 1

No they are not usually true. Camel spiders look very scary, especially because they are not really spiders.
Check out this website:
http://www.camelspiders.net/

It even refers to the rumors about American fighting in Iraq encountering Camel spiders.

It depends on where you live, but they are probably some much scarier and truly venomous spiders that you have grown up around. Black Widows, Brown Recluse, and Hobo Spiders are all more dangerous than the camel spider.

Camel spiders can bite, and the place they bite can be prone to infection but they are not poisonous or venomous.

I have a good friend in Iraq right now, and he says that he wishes he would have brought more chap stick and eye drops. Just a little advice.

Good luck, and please stay safe.

Answer 2

Here’s some photos a spider attacking a camel. These spiders sure do get large!
http://www.zebratalk.com/c_photos/camel_spider.jpg

Answer 3

Camel spiders are neither spiders nor dangerous. They are not venomous but their large fangs can give a nasty bite if you mishandle them. Leave them alone and they will leave you alone.