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
-
Teacher unions strike: Gov’t presents fresh proposals as talks end inconclusively
17 minutes -
51,000 teachers’ promotion arrears to be validated for October payment – Education Minister
47 minutes -
Kwabena Boamah appointed Board Chair for Impact Investing Ghana
55 minutes -
Striking teacher unions to meet Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on October 6
1 hour -
EOCO working with AG to arraign Nana Baffour Awuah before weekend court
1 hour -
Duraplast reassures customers after fire, announces October 5 reopening
1 hour -
Call off strike, gov’t will not renege on promotion arrears pledge – Haruna Iddrisu appeals to teacher unions
1 hour -
Committee set up to validate teachers eligible for 20% deprived-area allowance – Education Minister
1 hour -
Five-member committee to search for new Black Stars coach after Sports Ministry-GFA meeting
2 hours -
Pinktober: Breast cancer survival exceeds 90% when detected early – Breast Society of Ghana
2 hours -
TCDA to adopt Upper West’s MATCO mango farm as northern prototype, issues warning against felling shea trees
2 hours -
‘Fear delegates’ tag: Afoko touts genuineness among delegates ahead of NPP delegates conference
2 hours -
John Boadu: The leader our party needs at this time – Amb. Edward Akwasi Boateng
2 hours -
Baffour Awuah: EOCO arrested, detained MP after hours of waiting, questioning – Afenyo-Markin
3 hours -
EOCO court warrant authorised search of Baffour Awuah’s law firm, not residence – Afenyo-Markin
3 hours