From BBC

Bristol man shocked to receive 'semi-aggressive' tarantula in post

3 September 2015
From the sectionBristol
Image copyrightHighcroft Vet GroupImage captionThe Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater can grow to have a leg span of 11 inches (28 cm) and is known to be semi-aggressive

A man was shocked to discover a "semi-aggressive" South American tarantula had been sent to his new house.

The Bristol man, who has not been named, received the Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater in a parcel intended for the previous owner of the property.

He took it to Highcroft Veterinary Group in Whitchurch where it was examined and found to be "very unwell".

The parcel, containing tissue bedding which had gone mouldy, had been unopened for about three weeks.

Sonya Miles from Highcroft said: "When I examined the tarantula it was clear it was very unwell, as it was showing signs of dehydration and had lost a lot of hair from the abdomen."
'Unlucky situation'

She said she was "surprised" the spider - which she has nicknamed "Sid" - had survived being in the post for so long.

Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeaters, which can have a leg span of 11 inches (28 cm) and have one-inch fangs, are known to be semi-aggressive spiders.

As a defence mechanism, it can kick hairs from its abdomen which can be a skin irritant and cause blindness.

Miss Miles took the tarantula - the third largest spider species in the world - to recuperate at a local reptile rescue centre.

She eventually hopes it can be rehomed.

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