Why Australian zoo is asking Sydney residents to catch deadly funnel-web spiders

submited by

Style Pass

2024-11-16 06:30:14

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.

If you saw an enormous, deadly funnel-web spider sitting on her egg sac, your first instinct might be to run away.

But the Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales is urging residents of nearby Sydney to suppress that fear, remain calm, and carefully collect both the spider and her eggs in a secure container so they can be used to make life-saving antivenom.

Funnel-webs, whose most dangerous species lives in and around Sydney, are known for their deadly, fast-acting venom. Before the antivenom was introduced in 1981, 13 people died as a result of funnel-web bites. Since its introduction, there have been no fatalities.

The Australian Reptile Park issues this callout to the public every November when the spiders’ breeding season begins and stresses its importance in helping to save lives. The zoo is the sole supplier of funnel-web spider antivenom, which it produces by milking the spiders collected.