Man's Giant Spider Prank on Terrified Mom Stuns Internet: 'I Would've Died'

A video showing an online prankster scaring the life out of his mom with the aid of a giant spider has stunned viewers and drawn contrasting responses on social media.

The Halloween-themed prank was the work of Miguel Renovato, who decided to get in the spirit of the spooky season a little early by terrifying his unfortunate mom. The strikingly realistic looking arachnid had the desired effect with Renovato's mom filmed screaming in terror in apparent shock at what had unfolded.

Footage of the prank can be watched here.

While the gag is likely to have landed Renovato a firm place in his mother's bad books, his efforts have proven popular online, with the clip ranking up over 18 million views.

The phrase "scared to death" might be a familiar one to many, but some health experts reckon having such a fright can actually be beneficial.

According to cardiologist Dr. Nidhi Kumar, scares can help strengthen the immune system. "When your body gets that surge of stress, you release antioxidants and those fight cellular damage, so it can be incredibly healthy that way," he told CBS News.

Dr. Kumar also noted that the body releases Oxytocin when scared, which helps us to feel a closer bond with those present around us. Even so, he advised against scaring anyone with a pre-existing heart condition.

In that sense, there's a chance Renovato's mom might have thanked him for the scare he gave her. However, judging from her reaction on the clip and the reaction of countless more on social media, that's highly unlikely.

In the video, she can be seen taking a brush and bucket around the side of the family home. Renovato had positioned a fake giant hairy spider on the wall, and one that does an unpleasant trick.

As she turns to go around the back of the door she spots the spider and is immediately terrified, dropping the cleaning equipment in shock. But the fear factor is quickly cranked up even further when, in a surprise twist, the spider flies off the wall and straight toward her.

For a moment, the fake arachnid brushes against her face, sending the mom into a spiral of despair as she dances around, unsure of what to do or where to turn. It was a reaction many online wholly empathized with.

Stefffnie said she "would have passed away" if she had been Renovato's mom with elcompabeto1 admitting they "jumped a little" watching the video. Rosy wrote simply: "I would cry." Vanessa De Santiago took things one step further, writing: "I would've died."

Jiminsasscracck, meanwhile, commented "I would've never talk to that person ever again," while Jazmlu said the prankster was "wrong" to do that to his mom. Some saw the funny side in it all, of course. "I was rolling on the floor laughing," texdude806 said, with kees confessing: "I'm literally in tears."