A stowaway African huntsman spider was rescued after being found in a suitcase after a traveller returned from Africa. The arachnid is not poisonous to humans and a bite is as dangerous as a bee sting.
The 10cm animal was found in a suitcase in Edinburgh by someone who returned from a trip to Africa. The person who found it put it in a plastic box and called the Scottish SPCA on June 25.
It will now be taken to Kent to be cared for by 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! Thankfully the spider was none the worse for wear after their long journey and was taken to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres to quarantine.
“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.
