Reptile Park Issues Warning as Funnel-Web Season Begins

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: October 23, 2020 12:01 am

A funnel-web spider showing off its fang

Photo Credit: The Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park is warning about an increase in funnel-web spider sightings as weather conditions become perfect for them.

Recent wet weather conditions followed by warm weather at the start of spring will means males begin to leave their burrows and seek out a mate. This often leads them to wander in to human gardens and even houses.

A video on funnel-web season starting

Video Credit: The Australian Reptile Park

While funnel-web sightings may be scary for some the Australian Reptile Park is asking responsible adults to catch spiders which they see and bring them to the Reptile Park or another collection site. Here they will become part of the lifesaving antivenom program.

The Australian Reptile Park is the only place where Sydney funnel-web spiders are milked to produce life-saving antivenom. Since this program began in the 1980s there has been no recorded death from a Sydney funnel-web spider bite.

A zookeeper with a funnel web spider

Photo Credit: The Australian Reptile Park

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Reptiles and Spider keeper, Jake Meney notes that the public need to remain vigilant, aware and safe when dealing with funnel web spiders. “The recent rain brings humid conditions where funnel web spiders thrive.”

Mr Meney continues, “It’s important that Australians are across the correct first aid and know how to SAFELY catch the spiders so that we can continue to milk them and save lives. We rely on public donations of funnel web spiders to build up our milking individuals”

He adds, “When found inside homes, Sydney funnel webs prefer cool, damp places like the laundry, garage or in shoes left out on the ground. It is best to ensure you are not leaving washing and clothing on the floors, if you leave your shoes outside – make sure you give them a tap on the ground before putting your foot in blindly as shoes can be the perfect little burrow for funnel-webs. Pool filters should also be checked and cleaned regularly.”