On the eve of Halloween, one person in Donegal probably received the fright of their life when they discovered a small tarantula hiding in some fruit.
Since being discovered, the spider, later named Parker, was identified as a Mexican red rump.
After being made aware of this unusual guest by a member of the public, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) took the tarantula into their supervision at the Donegal Animal Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) because he was dehydrated and tired.
They said that Parker is about four months old and relatively harmless.
ISPCA Care Assistant Leela Voss assisted the surprised member of the public who discovered the small tarantula hiding in a recently bought bunch of wrapped bananas that originated from Central America.
Speaking about the discovery, ISPCA Centre Manager Denise McCausland said: “Parker was carefully captured and transferred in a secure box before being admitted to the ISPCA ARC for a closer inspection.
"A veterinary examination confirmed that Parker was very dehydrated and lethargic after his travels but after some water and mini crickets to eat, he began to perk up very quickly.
"Parker was placed in an appropriately humid habitat in temperature and moisture levels suitable for his species and was closely monitored over a number of weeks.
"He has already grown in size and is continuously spinning elaborate webs all around his enclosure.
"Parker is thriving well; his previous fuzz of hair is thickening well as he grows, also moulting in recent days."
She added: “This is a vulnerable time for tarantulas as his new exoskeleton has to harden in the coming days and weeks so we are being extra careful.
"Parker will be transferred to Alcorn’s Tropical World nearby where his permanent home awaits. There, Parker can live the solitary life he requires in a purpose-built vivarium fit for a spider Prince or Princess".
Following this discovery, the ISPCA has warned anyone that's thinking of getting an exotic pet about the responsibilities that ensue.
While this discovery might be the worst nightmare of an arachnophobe, the ISPCA has stated that tarantulas rarely bite people but if they attack, their venom doesn’t usually pose that much of a health risk to humans.
However, it can cause a nasty and irritating rash, while some people can also suffer an allergic reaction as a result of a bite too.
But dogs are more susceptible to tarantula venom.
While the sex of Parker is unknown, a female tarantula can live 30 years or even longer in the wild.
On the other hand, male tarantulas usually don't live beyond the point of their sexual maturity, with an average lifespan of just 5-10 years.
