Emily Chan
The winged creatures were further cemented as Halloween icons after Bram Stoker portrayed them as vampires in his 1897 novel Dracula.
Real vampire bats feed on the blood of animals, and human bites are rare. They also don’t turn into vampires if they get bitten, but that doesn’t stop the scary stories from emerging.
Toads
In various cultures, toads have long been tied to witches. They are often portrayed as companions of witches who assist with their magical spells. Shakespeare’s Macbeth popularized the idea, as a toad is mentioned in the context of a witch’s brew.
This reinforced the notion that amphibians are ingredients in magic potions. Furthermore, many toads have substances in their skin that are toxic to humans if ingested.
Spiders
The creepiness of spiders certainly helps cement their reputation as a symbol of Halloween. Spiders and their webs are often associated with old, decrepit buildings and dark places.
Many spiders also start mating during the fall months, so you probably see more spiderwebs around, especially in September and October. Their silky creations make the perfect Halloween decor!
Crows
A group of crows is called a murder, and they’ve been known to hover over dead animal carcasses, so you can see why they’re related to Halloween. Their black feathers make them look like they’re dressed for the occasion.
Crows have an eerie presence; their caws cut through the air as if giving a warning of some sort. Seeing one is often thought to be a bad omen.
