Weather conditions on the Coast have led to an increase in sightings of funnel-webs as they seek shelter in residential homes warns The Australian Reptile Park.
The park is reporting more spider donations than usual for this time of year indicating that funnel-web spider activity is on the rise.
Of particular concern is that, as people begin to repair and restore their homes after damaging storms and floods, they may be more likely to come into contact with a funnel-web spider and therefore should be extra cautious .
As the sole supplier of funnel-web spider venom that is used to create antivenom, the Australian Reptile Park relies on public donations of the spiders for the program.
Funnel-web spiders have been handed in to the Australian Reptile Park and its 14 drop-off locations across the Central Coast, Sydney and Newcastle in high volumes over the last few weeks.
Head Reptile and Spider Keeper, Jake Meney, said they are urging the public to be on the lookout and to know what to do if you find one in your home.
“An increase of funnel-web activity in homes means there’s a higher risk of getting bitten and needing antivenom.
“That’s why it’s so important to learn and refresh your knowledge on how to safely catch a funnel-web to assist our milking program and on funnel-web spider first aid,” Mr Meney concluded.
The Australian Reptile Park is encouraging responsible adults to catch wandering Sydney funnel-web spiders safely and asking for any collected spiders to be brought to the Park or one of the participating drop off locations to contribute to the lifesaving antivenom program.
Details about drop off locations how to catch a funnel-web can be found at www.reptilepark.com.au.
The Australian Reptile Park is the sole supplier of funnel-web spider venom to make into lifesaving antivenom.
The program has saved countless Australian lives since the program’s inception in the early 1980s, and there has not been a single death since its introduction.
Nicola Riches