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From crocodiles and irukandji jellyfish to eastern brown snakes and cassowaries, there are many dangerous things to avoid in Australia.
The weather forecast for New South Wales is rarely one of them.
But a cold snap heading toward Sydney is creating the perfect conditions for the city’s namesake, and one of the world’s most dangerous spiders, the Sydney funnel-web spider.
“Sydney funnel webs prefer cool, damp places like the laundry room, garage or shoes left on the ground,” said Australian Reptile Park spider keeper Jack Meney. Sydney morning herald.
JACKY GHOSSEIN
Sydney’s funnel web spiders are among the deadliest in the world.
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The reptile park issued an urgent message on social media Thursday, proclaiming that “funnel-web spider season has begun.”
The rain forecast for the region is perfect for the species, as males tend to move more in search of females.
Males are considered to be more dangerous than females and more likely to be encountered.
The species is commonly found off the coast of New South Wales from Nowra to Newcastle and is classified as a medium to large sized spider.
Meney reminded people not to leave their clothes or clothing on the floor, and to tap any shoes left outside on the floor before putting them on.
The reptile park issued a similar warning in January when heavy downpours followed devastating Australian bushfires.
No funnel-net related deaths have been reported in Australia since 1981, mainly due to the development of an antivenom. Australian Reptile Park milks over 100 spiders to create a vile antivenom.
