These harmless giants are often negatively portrayed.

They are called baboon spiders due to their hairy appearance and the black scopulae pads on its "feet" resembling the pads on baboon feet.  They are not dangerous to man although they can inflict a painful bite.  South African species are terrestrial occurring in underground burrows or scrapes under rocks. The scrape is lined with thick silk, which is attached to the rock and keeps out troublesome insects such as ants.