My guess is a purse web spider.

You are so right! Thanks, Linda. I saw on another website that they are poisonous. Are they dangerous to humans?

If I understand it, almost all spiders do have some venom in order to subdue their prey. However, there are only 2 spiders in our area that are really dangerous to people - black widows and brown recluse spiders. State officials here in SC even claim that brown recluse are not found here although many people say they have seen them. Black widows are pretty common, of course, but one need not lose sleep over them. Normal caution when around their habitat should be adequate. Other kinds of spiders can bite, of course, but shouldn't cause more than the discomfort of other stings and bites so long as the individual being bitten is not prone to allergic reactions.

That's good to know. When sites say poisonous, I wish they would indicate how poisonous - like should I kill it to keep my family safe? But from what you say, this guy is just run-of-the-mill poisonous. Good thing, since I gave him parole! I have seen black widows in my yard, but not often. Thanks for all your input, Linda.

Good Lord, that thing IS scary!!! Kudos for not killing it on sight. I leave this thread a more informed person...thank you.