Audio By Carbonatix
Australia has already dealt with extreme fires, flooding and hail this year. Now experts are warning people to watch out for deadly funnel-web spiders due to "perfect conditions" for the arachnid to thrive.
Native to the moist forest regions of eastern Australia, several funnel-web species are known for their highly toxic and fast-acting venom. On Wednesday, the Australian Reptile Park -- based in Somersby, in New South Wales state -- said spider activity had increased in recent days.
"Because of the recent rain and now the hot days we are now experiencing, funnel-web spiders will start to move around," park spokesman Daniel Rumsey said in a video posted on Facebook.
Experts say the Australian funnel-web is one of the most dangerous spiders on Earth.
Australia has been ravaged by the worst wildfires seen in decades, with large swaths of the country devastated since the fire season began in late July. At least 28 people have died nationwide -- and in the state of New South Wales alone, more than 3,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged.
Severe thunderstorms delivered relief to some areas late last week, although flash flooding created new risks. Parts of southeastern Australia were also pelted by hailstones the size of golf balls, big enough to smash car windows and injure birds, less than 24 hours after the region was hit by massive dust storms.
Warren Bailey, owner of ABC Pest Control Sydney, told CNN that funnel-webs are normally active during the summer, but the spider season arrived later than usual this year because the weather has been "very dry" in the past few months.
"Their venom is pretty toxic and can kill someone," he said. "The funnel-webs are now out with the recent rains, (and) they can go into people's houses on the ground or from the roof."
Experts say the Australian funnel-web is one of the most dangerous spiders on Earth.
Australia has been ravaged by the worst wildfires seen in decades, with large swaths of the country devastated since the fire season began in late July. At least 28 people have died nationwide -- and in the state of New South Wales alone, more than 3,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged.
Severe thunderstorms delivered relief to some areas late last week, although flash flooding created new risks. Parts of southeastern Australia were also pelted by hailstones the size of golf balls, big enough to smash car windows and injure birds, less than 24 hours after the region was hit by massive dust storms.
Warren Bailey, owner of ABC Pest Control Sydney, told CNN that funnel-webs are normally active during the summer, but the spider season arrived later than usual this year because the weather has been "very dry" in the past few months.
"Their venom is pretty toxic and can kill someone," he said. "The funnel-webs are now out with the recent rains, (and) they can go into people's houses on the ground or from the roof."DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Gov’t to establish Prison Industrial Hub to equip inmates with income-generating skills – Prison Service boss
14 minutes -
Alhassan Tampuli donates cement, roofing sheets to support storm victims in Gushegu
15 minutes -
Alhassan Tampuli appeals for urgent support for storm victims in Gushegu
18 minutes -
The hypocrisy must stop; pass Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill now – Alhassan Tampuli to Mahama
22 minutes -
Imprisonment should be rehabilitative, not punitive – Ghana Prisons boss at UNGA
43 minutes -
Ga Adangbe traditional priests petition Mahama over McDan aviation licence revocation
55 minutes -
Anti-LGBTQ Bill: NDC’s arrogance is worrying – Hassan Tampuli
1 hour -
Let’s give OSP time to mature, not to scrap it – Hassan Tampuli
1 hour -
Nigeria convicts 386 Islamist militants in mass trials
1 hour -
Djibouti president wins election with 97.8% of vote, state media says
1 hour -
We don’t have mandate to deduct tax from rent allowance of security services personnel – Interior Ministry clarifies
2 hours -
Ablakwa receives Presidential Special Envoy on Reparations to advance global agenda
2 hours -
Christina Koch becomes first woman to travel around the moon on Artemis II
2 hours -
Epstein survivors’ calls to meet King Charles and Queen harder to ignore as US visit approaches
2 hours -
UN Secretary-General names Ghana’s Anita Kiki Gbeho as South Sudan envoy
2 hours