Workers at a Suffolk storage company got a huge shock when a giant Huntsman spider scuttled out of one of their shipping containers.
The RSPCA got a call from the farm at Old Newton, near Stowmarket, on Friday January 13 after the massive arachnid crawled out having caught a lift in the container from Japan.
Animal collection officer (ACO) Naemi Kilbey visited the farm to deal with the terrifying creature.
“Workers who found the spider definitely thought it was a Friday the 13th jinx,” she said.
“I must admit I’d get a bit of a shock if I was unloading some stock a huge Huntsman spider crawled out.
“Although these spiders, usually from Australia, are large and can grow to more than 15cm in size, they are generally harmless.
“While a bite from one of these arachnids could cause some pain and discomfort, they are not a highly venomous spider.”
The spider, which workers had secured safely in the container, was collected by ACO Kilbey and whisked away to a nearby exotic animal specialist who will give her a good home.
An RSPCA spokeswoman added: “We would advise anyone who comes across an unusual exotic animal or any animal in distress to contact our 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999.”
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