First fires, then floods. Now Aussies need to watch out for deadly funnel-web spiders

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First fires, then floods. Now Aussies need to watch out for deadly funnel-web spiders

25/01/2020 4:37am

> From the WeatherWatch archives

CNN — 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.

Experts say the Australian funnel-web is one of the most dangerous spiders on Earth.

“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.

“Funnel-web spiders are potentially one of the most dangerous spiders on the planet, in terms of a bite towards humans, and we have to treat it very seriously.”

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.

Stay away from the brown recluse spider, one of the most dangerous arachnids on Earth. It can be found outdoors near rocks or in the woods -- or, chillingly, indoors in dark places, including corners and furniture. Its bite can cause lesions that lead to gangrene.<br /><br />Click through the gallery to learn about more of the world's most dangerous spiders.

“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.”

Visit CNN to view more on this story and see photos of the world’s most dangerous spiders (WeatherWatch.co.nz is a CNN affiliate)

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Guest on 23/01/2020 1:34am

We seem to get these dry spells at this time each Summer, no drama as the rain will come

No mention anywhere locally of the historic snowstorm in New Foundland over the past days

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