posted 10-11-2002 10:47 AM               

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Long, floating spider webs are bobbing through the skies of Santa Cruz this week, confusing some community members concerned about biological weapons, UFOs and other phenomena.

The gossamer-thin, shimmery "sky webs" are between 18 inches and several feet long, and have been seen drifting through the sky, sailing along the coastline and, at times, catching on fences or draping on trees.

The webs come from young spiders that launch themselves on their homemade parachutes after hatching to be blown to a new home.

Independent television producer Bob Andruszkiewicz said he called police after becoming worried about biological weapons, "but then I thought, why would they pick Santa Cruz?"

People looking for UFOs have called the gossamer webs "angel hair" and "aerial anomalies." Web sites say it could be an indication of extraterrestrial beings or a spirit presence.

No such thing, said University of Wyoming molecular biology professor Randy Lewis, a leader in spider web research.

"It's not a government plot or anything," he said. "This is just a way for spiders to get out and find a new place to live."

In Wyoming, said Lewis, dozens of the webs can been seen floating across the prairie in the spring.