The Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales is urging Sydney residents to overcome their fear of deadly funnel-web spiders and collect them, along with their egg sacs, to aid in the production of life-saving antivenom. Funnel-web spiders, particularly the species around Sydney, are known for their potent venom, which was fatal to 13 people before the introduction of antivenom in 1981. Since then, no deaths have occurred.
The park, the sole producer of funnel-web spider antivenom, emphasizes the importance of public assistance during breeding season, which begins in November. Each vial of antivenom requires venom from approximately 150 spiders.
Spider keeper Emma Teni advises using a long spoon to carefully scoop the spider and its egg sac into a jar without damaging the sac, which contains 150-200 spiderlings. Collected spiders can be dropped off at designated locations or directly at the park.
Survivors of funnel-web bites, such as Nicole Webber and Karen Wright, have expressed gratitude for the antivenom program, sharing how it saved their lives and urging others to support the initiative by safely capturing spiders.
