Funnel-web spider season started early says Australian Reptile Park
NEWS to strike terror into the hearts of arachnophobes everywhere - here’s where you are likely to find funnel-web spiders, what to do if you get bitten, and how to catch them for a life-saving anti-venom program.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PEOPLE have been warned of an early start to funnel-web spider season after a week of rain
The Australian Reptile Park is the only institution in Australia that milks the funnel webs for their venom to be made into antivenene.
Experts at the park have urged local people in high risk areas to know first aid for spider bite and be prepared with bandages and techniques.
They are also urging people to safely catch the spiders so they can be milked for their venom.
“The last couple of years has seen decreasing amounts of funnel-web hand-ins to The Australian Reptile Park, despite good exposure and community awareness.
However this large amount of spiders coming in the last week is promising that this is turning around,” head keeper, Daniel Rumsey said.
“Should supplies diminish, the lifesaving antivenene program could very much be in jeopardy,” he said.
“We’re encouraging residents of NSW to not kill funnel-web spiders that they come across but rather follow our safety guidelines online to capture the spider, and hand them in at the park or a participating drop-off centres.
By doing so, we’re all saving Australian’s lives together!”
IF YOU GET BITTEN
“If bitten, a pressure immobilisation bandage should be wrapped firmly around the bite area and the limb, and medical assistance sought immediately,” Mr Rumsey said.
“We also recommend a capture kit be kept including a glass jar with air holes in the lid, and a plastic ruler to guide the spider into the jar for collection.”
Since pioneering the antivenene program in 1981, nobody has died from a funnel-web spider bite.
Australian Reptile Park’s venom program for funnel-web milking relies solely on public support for funnel-web spider hand ins to the park or to drop-off zones, and over the last few days the amount of funnel-web hand ins has grown exponentially with the recent rainy weather.
The Australian Reptile Park website features a safety and capture video online, taking viewers through a step by step process in collection and delivery of a funnel-web spider. See Spider first aid and drop off zones at www.reptilepark.com.au.
DROP OFF ZONES
Westmead Hospital, Sutherland Hospital, Hornsby Hospital, Brookevale Greencross Vets, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Hawkesbury City Council, Symbio Wildlife Park, Gosford Hospital, Wyong Hospital, Wyoming Veterinary Hospital, Vital First Aid Gosford,
Australian Reptile Park, John Hunter Hospital