Funnel-web Spiders: Australian Reptile Park reports record numbers

The Australian Reptile Park has been inundated with large numbers of horror-sized funnel-web spiders and has warned people to watch their step this summer.

The Australian Reptile Park has been inundated with large numbers of horror-sized funnel-web spiders and the weather is to blame.

The avalanche of arachnids has set something of a record at the park which has never before received so many live specimens at this time of the year.

The park describes the numbers of male spiders handed in as “massive”, and if that wasn’t scary enough — they’re the biggest one’s keepers have ever seen.

The public are urged to be extremely careful in dealing with funnel webs for the anti venom program. Picture Australian Reptile Park.

All spiders handed in are reaching a leg span of over 6cms each, with the largest reaching a humungous 10cms! Along with this, the thickness of each leg sits at 3mm each, which is extremely rare.

The Australian Reptile Park has strongly urged people to beware and take extra care when they’re playing backyard cricket this summer.

General Manager Tim Faulkner says, “Never in all my years have we come across so many huge Funnel-Web spiders at once,” he said.

Some of the spiders has a leg span of over 6cm. Picture: Australian Reptile Park.

“We occasionally would get one a year, but to get this many during just the FIRST wave of the season truly tells us that they’re out and about.

“The increase in hand ins — although is very welcome and will contribute to the lifesaving venom program, is showing an obvious spike. The perfect weather for a funnel-web spider is straight after a storm — and there has been plenty of those.”

Mr Faulkner said the public needed to remain diligent, aware and safe when dealing with the funnel-webs.

The large number of spiders handed in this summer is connected with perfect seasonal conditions. Picture: Australian Reptile park.

“Receiving so many large funnel webs is a huge positive for us, as we can never have too many and each one will be used in our antivenene program,” he said.

“We have had perfect weather conditions for funnel-webs, including dry weather with rainy nights. It’s where funnel-web spiders thrive. It is crucial at this time of the year that people are being smart and are educated on Funnel-Web spider first aid. ”

Be careful where you step in the backyard this Christmas.

The Australian Reptile Park is the only place in Australia that milks funnel-web spider venom to make into antivenene. Before the antivenene was developed 33 years ago, there were 13 recorded deaths in NSW by funnel webs, but there has been zero fatalities since the development of the antivenene in 1981.

“If you are an adult and feel safe to do so, please catch the funnel webs using a big glass jar and keeping your hands away from the spider, coax the spider into the jar and bring it to us or one of our drop-off points — you will help us save lives,” he said,

Australian Reptile Park GM Tim Faulkner with a funnel-web. Picture by Mark Scott

If a member of the public was to be bitten by a funnel-web spider, it’s important to stay as calm as possible and apply the correct first aid, which is a pressure immobilisation bandage and get to hospital as fast as you possibly can.