An Edinburgh man was left horrified after unpacking his suitcase to find an unexpected visitor has made its way home from Africa with him.
Having recently returned from a work trip, he found an African huntsman spider in his luggage while unpacking at his home on Boswall Drive on June 25. He managed to contain the spider in a plastic tub, before the Scottish SPCA arrived to collect it.
The spiders are known for their speed, though despite their menacing appearance are not considered to be dangerous. According to the Daily Record, huntsman spiders will usually run from a human rather than bite them.
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While they do have some venom, the effects are far lower than that of an average arachnid bite. Rescue officers who examined the huntsman said they were relieved that it had been captured before having the chance to scurry off.
The animal was in a good condition, despite its long journey, and has now been taken to a rescue and rehoming centre to quarantine. Once it's safe to do so, the huntsman will then be sent down to Kent to "happily live out the rest of its life" with a specialist.
Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer, Catherine Atterton, said, “The spider was very fast, and about 10cm in size. Huntsman spiders are known for their speed and their ability to jump, so I was glad the member of the public had managed to contain the spider.
“We’ve been liaising with our contacts and have a home down in Kent lined up with a specialist where this huntsman can happily live out the rest of their life.
“We know a lot of people find spiders frightening but, to the Scottish SPCA, they’re just another animal who needs our help. If anyone finds an animal in distress they should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999 for help and advice.”
If anyone is concerned about an animal, contact the Scottish SPCA's confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999. To support the SSPCA by donating to the charity, click here.
