Giant Tarantula Sent In Parcel To Bristol Home

A new homeowner had a shock when one of the world's largest spiders arrived in a box in the post.

The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater was discovered when the man received a 'Return to Sender' parcel which was intended for the previous owners of his house in Bristol.

Dates on the parcel showed that the arachnid had been circulating in the postal system unopened for about three weeks and its bedding had gone mouldy.

The man took the spider to Highcroft Veterinary Group in Bristol, which confirmed it was a member of the world's third largest spider species - and that it was "very unwell".

Sonya Miles, a veterinary surgeon at the clinic, said it was "showing signs of dehydration and had lost a lot of hair from the abdomen".

She added: "Mould can affect tarantulas very negatively so, with the exposure to the fungus and being stressed after circulating in the post for so long, I'm surprised it even survived."

It is not uncommon for insects and small living creatures to be sent via the post but there are strict regulations regarding labelling and the type of postal service that should be used.

"Although the package did adhere to all the regulations, it was just an unlucky situation that resulted in it not being collected by its intended owners," Miss Miles said.

The spider, named Sid, has been taken to recover at the North Somerset Reptile Rescue centre before it can be handled and given a new home.

Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeaters can have a leg span of 11in (28cm) and have been known to be aggressive.

The spiders have 1in (2.5cm) fangs and are capable of "kicking" hairs from their abdomen when they feel threatened, which can cause blindness.