Australian Park Seeks Sydney Funnel-Web Spiders

The Australian Reptile Park near Sydney is calling on the public to help capture the deadly Sydney funnel-web spiders and their egg sacs to support their antivenom program. This initiative is critical since around 150 spiders are needed to produce one vial of antivenom, and no deaths have been reported since the antivenom's introduction in 1981. The park emphasizes the importance of safely capturing the spiders using smooth containers they cannot climb, and the current weather conditions make it an ideal time for collection. Residents are advised to search in dark, cool places like shoes or garden debris where these spiders often hide during mating season. Despite the risks, the zoo assures that with proper precautions, the collection process is safe and crucial for maintaining the supply of life-saving antivenom. This program relies heavily on public participation, especially during the breeding season, to ensure enough venom is available to meet demand.