Warning from animal park after deadly spiders reach ‘prime’ mating season

People have been warned to keep an eye out for deadly funnel-web spiders – and then collect them so they can be ‘milked’.

Australia is well known for its terrifying creepy-crawlies, but this is an unexpected twist to sharing an island with them.

The funnel-web spider can kill a person in as little as 15 minutes, but a reptile park wants homeowners to donate them during their mating season.

Any resident who comes across one is asked to collect and give it to Australian Reptile Park for milking to create antivenom, which helps people who have been bitten by spiders.

Spider keeper at the reptile park, Emma Teni said: ‘With breeding season upon us and the weather creating ideal conditions, we rely on spider donations more than ever.

‘Male funnel-web spiders have short lifespans, and with approximately 150 spiders required to make just one vial of antivenom, we need the public’s help to ensure we have enough venom to meet demand.’

If residents do indeed find a funnel-web, they are urged to check for egg sacs.

Ms Teni added: ‘If you spot an egg sac while collecting a spider, it’s important to safely collect that as well.

‘It can provide a robust supply of healthy young spiders to aid in our antivenom production.’

With the mating season for spiders approaching during the Aussie summer, it’s prime time for them to be spotted in houses.

At least 13 people have died after being bitten by a funnel-web, although no one has succumbed to the spider’s venom since the creation of the antivenom in 1981.

If bitten, residents are advised to stay calm, wrap the area around the bite tightly with a bandage and go to the hospital immediately.

Australian Reptile Park has multiple drop off locations for the spiders on Australia’s eastern coast.

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