Sydney:
A “plague” of the world’s most venomous spiders could swarm Sydney following torrential rain and flooding, the Australian Reptile Park mentioned Wednesday, warning that the deadly arachnids could seek refuge in properties as they escape the deluge.
Relentless downpours have brought on vast flooding in New South Wales state, with components of suburban northwest Sydney nonetheless beneath water.
Residents welcomed sunshine on Wednesday following days of rainfall, only to get an “urgent warning” to brace for an influx of the deadly funnel-net spider, which is endemic to the Sydney area.
“The upcoming warm weather and high levels of humidity is the perfect storm for a funnel-web spider BOOM in coming days,” park director Tim Faulkner mentioned in a statement.
“With the incredible flooding that we’ve experienced across the Greater Sydney area, they have been forced out of their habitat and are seeking refuge in dryer areas,” he added.
“Unfortunately, this could mean that they’ll be finding their way into residential homes very shortly.”
Images of thousands of spiders escaping floodwaters have currently gone viral on social media in current days, terrifying arachnophobes as masses of the eight-legged creatures swarmed up fences and buildings.
Sydney funnel-webs are extensively feared for their notoriously toxic and quick-acting venom, with 13 recorded deaths from bites.
However, no one is believed to have died considering that an anti-venom programme was introduced in the early 1980s.
The Australian Reptile Park — which supplies lifesaving antivenom — has encouraged men and women who “feel safe enough to do so” to catch and provide wandering funnel-net spiders to designated collection facilities.
()