As summer approaches in Australia, a reptile park is urging residents to be vigilant for the presence of a large, dangerous spider species. The funnel-web spider, one of the country’s most lethal arachnids, is entering its mating season. The recent rainfall and rising temperatures create an ideal environment for these spiders to roam residential areas in search of a mate.
The Australian Reptile Park has warned that the venomous bite of a funnel-web spider can prove fatal in as little as 15 minutes without medical intervention. The spider species has been responsible for at least 13 deaths. However, since the development of an antivenom in 1981, there have been no reported fatalities from the spider’s bite.
The park is encouraging residents who encounter funnel-web spiders to collect them and donate them to the Australian Reptile Park. The spiders are then milked to produce antivenom, which is used to treat individuals bitten by these eight-legged creatures.
Emma Teni, a spider keeper at the Australian Reptile Park, emphasized the importance of spider donations during the breeding season. She explained that male funnel-web spiders have short lifespans and approximately 150 spiders are needed to produce a single vial of antivenom. Therefore, public assistance is crucial to ensure a sufficient venom supply to meet demand.
The park has advised residents to be alert for spiders in cool, dark areas, such as shoes, laundry piles, pools, and yard debris. They also caution people to look for egg sacs when they find a funnel-web spider.
Teni stressed the importance of safely collecting egg sacs as well, as they can provide a significant supply of healthy young spiders for antivenom production.
If a funnel-web spider is discovered, the park provides detailed instructions on how to safely capture it for donation. The process involves using a large, wide-mouthed plastic or glass jar and a long spoon to gently guide the spider into the jar. Damp soil should be added to the jar before sealing it tightly.
In addition to soliciting spider donations, the park is also educating residents on what to do if bitten by a funnel-web spider. The advice includes remaining calm, tightly bandaging the area around the bite, and seeking immediate medical attention. The Australian Reptile Park has established several drop-off locations for funnel-web spider donations along Australia’s eastern coast.