There have been severe floods on the east coast of Australia around Sydney for weeks. This also attracts unwelcome crawling animals – including the most poisonous spider in the world.
A chilling consequence of the incessant rain: “Australia’s notorious ‘creepy crawlies’ are out in droves, seeking refuge from the relentless rain,” broadcaster 9News reported, citing experts.
Numerous citizens reported a massive increase in leeches in social networks. But snakes and spiders are also on the rise, including the dangerous Sydney funnel-web spider – the world’s most venomous spider species.
Australia: Dramatic increase in spider sightings in Sydney
A Sydney resident has donated half a dozen funnel-web spiders to the Australian Reptile Park’s antivenom program in the past two months alone, said the park’s reptile keeper Sam Hermann.
This is a clear indication of the massive increase in sightings. But there is no reason to panic: the animals are not out to intentionally hurt people. It is best to stay calm and catch the animals safely – but also to have a compression bandage ready just in case. (dpa)
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