Giant invasive spiders spotted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

TOWNSEND, Tenn. – A spider known for its unique coloring and large size has been spotted twice recently in Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

The Joro Spider, known scientifically as has been reported in the U.S. since 2014, when the spider was first found in Georgia .

According to officials from the National Park Service, the spider was first seen in the park on Oct. 17, and again more recently. Both sightings were reported in Cades Cove , a scenic valley in Townsend , Tennessee, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

The spiders are native to East Asia , NAISMA said, and in the U.S. they have been found in Georgia, South Carolina , Tennessee , North Carolina and Maryland .

The spider species is quite large, with adult female spiders reaching an average of 3 inches across, according to the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) . Female Joro Spiders are distinctive, with bright yellow bodies covered in horizontal grayish-blue colored stripes. The female spiders also have black and yellow striped legs. The spiders develop their color once they reach adulthood, in the summer , NAISMA said.

Adult male Joro Spiders do not get as large as females do, NAISMA said. The male spiders also remain a brown color.

The spiders are often reported to be seen parachuting, officially called "ballooning." It's an act where spiders are carried by wind on their silk, NAISMA said. However, only tiny, hatchling Joro Spiders will be seen doing this, according to NAISMA.

Many spider species can be found ballooning when they're small, the association said.

The spiders are known for creating large webs as well.

NAISMA said the spiders are not a danger to people or pets.

The Joro Spider is an invasive spider species, NAISMA said. However, the ecological impacts on the spider are still being researched.

NPS officials said they are currently assessing the presence of Joro Spiders within Great Smoky Mountains National Park to determine if management actions are needed.