Michigan Man Shares Story of Being Bit by a Brown Recluse Spider [WARNING: GRAPHIC]

An important message from a former Flint resident about the growing threat of brown recluse spiders here in Michigan.

WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTO OF BITE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST.

Earlier this week, we told you about the brown recluse spiders that were found in an unattached, unheated garage in Davison. These spiders are not native to our area, and are generally found down south in warmer climates. However, there have been more and more reports of these spiders making their way here to Michigan and surviving in our changing climate.

Brown recluse spider bites are described as follows:

Initially the bite site is mildly red and upon close inspection may reveal fang marks. Within a few hours, the redness gives way to pallor with a red ring surrounding the area, or a "bull's-eye" appearance. The lesion will often appear to flow downhill over the course of many hours. The center area will then often blister, which over 12-48 hours can sink, turning bluish then black as this area of tissue dies.

Gaylord Brooks, a native of Flint who has since moved to Jackson, has shared his story of being bit by a brown recluse on Facebook. He's had four surgeries to treat the area that was bitten, and they're looking at a fifth in May.

Thank you for sharing your story, Gaylord. We're pulling for a swift recovery for you!