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- Sep 18, 2006
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Sydney Funnel Web Found in ARKANSAS! (Could be misID'ed Trapdoor)
I just saw this on a local news website. Now why couldn't I had been the one to find this!
From:http://www.fox16.com/news/local/sto...-Arkansas/ZoOylotTcUSjsx3Ccg-emw.cspx?rss=315
I just saw this on a local news website. Now why couldn't I had been the one to find this!
From:http://www.fox16.com/news/local/sto...-Arkansas/ZoOylotTcUSjsx3Ccg-emw.cspx?rss=315
Man Discovers Deadly Australian Spider in Arkansas
Updated: 10:17 am Published: 9:34 am
At first glance, Rick Gann thought he saw a normal house spider.
“When I saw the spider’s reaction to me, I knew instantly what he was,” Gann said.
Gann says it’s a Sydney Funnel Web – native to Australia – and very lethal.
“The fact that he's so aggressive, he won't back down. That's what makes him so deadly.” Gann said.
The Bryant resident says before anti-venom was developed in the early 80s, the Sydney Funnel Web was responsible for 300-400 deaths a year.
“They inject an enzyme that liquify their prey and they soak it up like a milkshake,” Gann said.
And when a Sydney Funnel Web bites – you’ll feel it immediately.
Rick Gann says the effects are horrendous. Sweating, heart palpitations, blood pressure and the possibility of deaths for adults.
“A healthy adult...2 to 3 hours, possibly.” Gann said.
Gann says the Syndey Funnel Web is capable of killing a child in 30 minutes. It’s attracted to water – so parents really need to watch their children at the swimming pool this summer.
“This spider has daggers and he strikes with a downward force. Its fangs are sharp enough to pierce a fingernail,” Gann said. “If you step on him even with flip flops and miss...yeah...”
Gann warns not keeping a close eye on any spider can be a deadly mistake.
Sydney Funnel Webs are not normally found in Arkansas. Gann plans to take his find to a local entomologist to confirm the spider species.
Because of the discovery – Adams Pest Control in Little Rock plans to publish its newsletter earlier this month to warn parents about the spider dangers.
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