News / Animals
New homeowner’s shock at tarantula in post
A new home owner in Bristol was given the fright of his life when he received a tarantula in the post.
The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater, the third largest spider species in the world, arrived at the unnamed man’s new address marked ‘return to sender’.
The spider, named Sid by its new owner, was taken to Highcroft Veterinary Group in Whitchurch where it was examined and found to be suffering from dehydration after three weeks inside the package.
The veterinary practice said it believes the parcel was delivered from the address but never collected.
Sonya Miles, who treated the spider, said: “When I examined the tarantula it was clear it was very unwell, as it was showing signs of dehydration and had lost a lot of hair from the abdomen.”
She added that it was common to send insects and some living creatures by post and the parcel complied with regulations. However, its time in transit had meant the spider had suffered.
Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater spiders can grow to have a leg span of 11 inches and are known to be “semi-aggressive”, the veterinary group said.
The spiders, which also have 2.5in fangs, are capable of kicking hairs from their abdomen as a defensive mechanism, which can act as an irritant to the skin and even blind their victim.
Richard Killen, Highcroft Veterinary Group owner, added: “I am delighted we were able to treat this significant species of spider”
Sid was taken home with Miles to recuperate at her rescue centre, North Somerset Reptile Rescue, where it is recovering well. She said she hopes to find the spider a more permanent home once it has calmed down and can be handled.