As summer sets in Down Under, residents of Australia are being urged to stay vigilant—especially when it comes to a particularly lethal creature: the funnel-web spider. Known for its deadly bite, this venomous arachnid is on the prowl as mating season begins, and experts are warning that the dangerous conditions created by recent rains and warming temperatures could lead to more encounters with humans in residential areas.
The funnel-web spider is one of the deadliest spiders on the planet, with a bite capable of killing a person in as little as 15 minutes if left untreated. While antivenom has significantly reduced fatalities, at least 13 lives have been lost to its venom before the development of the life-saving treatment in 1981. Since the advent of the antivenom, no one has died from a funnel-web bite, but the risk remains significant, particularly during the peak of mating season.
Emma Teni, a spider keeper at the Australian Reptile Park, warned that the spiders are now actively searching for mates, making this time of year especially dangerous. With ideal conditions in place, the arachnids are more likely to be found in residential areas, lurking in cool, dark places such as shoes, laundry piles, pools, and yard debris.
In response to the rising danger, the Australian Reptile Park is making a call to the public: If you spot a funnel-web spider, please safely collect it and donate it to the park. The spiders are “milked” for their venom, which is then used to produce antivenom that saves lives.
Teni emphasized the importance of these donations: “Male funnel-web spiders have short lifespans, and with about 150 spiders needed to create just one vial of antivenom, we rely heavily on public assistance to meet the demand.” The park is hoping that more donations of these deadly spiders will ensure they have enough venom to continue protecting the community.
For those who might find a funnel-web spider, the Australian Reptile Park has issued clear instructions on how to safely capture and donate it. First, locate a large, wide-mouthed jar with a secure lid. Using a long spoon or similar tool, gently guide the spider into the jar. Add some damp soil to mimic its natural environment, then seal the jar tightly. The park encourages people to also collect any egg sacs they find, as they can help produce a new generation of spiders for future antivenom production.
While the funnel-web spider’s bite is rarely fatal due to the widespread availability of antivenom, a bite is still a serious medical emergency. The park is urging residents to familiarize themselves with the proper steps to take if bitten:
1. Stay calm.
2. Wrap the bite area tightly with a bandage.
3. Seek immediate medical attention at the hospital.
As the mating season of the funnel-web spider approaches and conditions become ripe for increased spider activity, the Australian Reptile Park continues to rely on the public’s help to keep up with the demand for antivenom. With the spider’s venom capable of causing serious harm, the collaboration between the park and the community is more critical than ever.
The park has set up several drop-off locations along Australia’s eastern coast for funnel-web spider donations, and Teni is hopeful that Australians will continue to rise to the occasion, ensuring that no one becomes a victim of one of nature’s deadliest predators.
So, as you prepare for the warmer months ahead, keep an eye out for these dangerous spiders—and remember, you could be helping save a life just by collecting and donating one.
