South Devon College Animal Unit explore the myths around certain creatures at Halloween

Spiders, frogs, black cats and rats go hand in hand with Halloween. But do these animals deserve their sinister and mysterious reputation?

As All Hallows Eve approaches experts from the Animal Unit at South Devon College explore the myths and legends surrounding these creatures and shed light on why they don’t deserve their menacing notoriety.

So where did it all start to go wrong for black cats, frogs, spiders and rats? It’s thought that witch trials contributed to the superstition around these animals or familiars as they were known.

It’s estimated that around 500 women were killed for practising witchcraft in England between the 15th and 18th centuries, although exact numbers vary. In Devon, Alice Molland was the last woman to be executed in England for the crime of being a witch. 

It was believed that small animals served as witch’s companions. These loyal guardians and protectors to witches would assist them with magic or for some, like frogs, became an ingredient for love potions.

But according to Animal Unit Manager, Anna Birks at South Devon College, frogs, black cats, rats and spiders have unfairly borne the brunt of these myths for centuries.

“We have an African Bullfrog at the College called Trevor. Students on our animal care courses learn how to look after amphibians. In the wild they help maintain the ecosystem by eating pests like slugs, snails and flies.

“Although African Bullfrogs like Trevor are renowned for their more ambitious feasts including snakes, small mammals and large birds. Basically, anything that will fit in their mouth. They also can live for up to 30 years, so prepare to stock up on food!”

Another creature often berated at this time of year is the black cat. In the 17th century, when people were terrified of witchcraft, black cats were thought to be witches in disguise or their familiars and could bring bad luck if they crossed your path.

But todays experts are keen to dismiss these myths. “Black cats are as loving and friendly as any other type of cat,” says Anna. “Unfortunately, their association with bad luck persists, especially around Halloween. But they’re really just beautiful animals who deserve love and care like any other pet.”

Animal shelters have even noticed that black cats are sadly the least likely to be adopted due to some of these age-old superstitions

Rats, like black cats and toads, have long suffered from a poor reputation. Linked to disease and filth, especially after the Black Death, they are another animal connected with witches and the supernatural. Rats were believed to scurry around witches' homes or be used in their potions.

“People still think of rats as dirty, but they’re actually very clean animals when kept in proper conditions,” says Anna. “They make great pets too as they are highly intelligent and sociable.”

And last but not least the eight legged arachnid that sends shivers down many people’s spines all year round, the spider. Closely associated with Halloween it was believed that witches would change their shape into a spider to slide into people’s homes. Then add in the cobwebs and their scary scuttling across the room, for many people spiders are absolutely terrifying.

South Devon College Animal Unit is home to several jumping spiders and a tarantula.  

“In my opinion they are misunderstood,” said Anna. “They are fascinating and our students get to experience their behaviour close up.”

Halloween may be the season for trick or treating and spooky tales, but the Animal Unit team at South Devon College are doing their bit to change people’s perceptions of rats, black cats and spiders.

As Anna says, “All these animals play an important part in the ecosystem and once you find out more about them you realise they don’t deserve their reputation.”