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Two tarantulas feared 'on the loose in Derbyshire' after babies found car park

The tarantulas were found in Derbyshire: PA
The tarantulas were found in Derbyshire: PA

Two tarantulas are thought to be on the loose after their three offspring were found dumped in a car park in Derbyshire.

The RSPCA said that the young Brazilian bird-eating spiders were contained in 10 pots found in Somercotes.

Two of the larger pots containing the spiders' parents were run over by a car but no bodies were found sparking fears that they're likely to have escaped.

According to the RSPCA, the animals have a leg span of up to 10 inches.

They are not likely to survive for long in the UK climate.

One of the three baby tarantulas found in the car park (PA)
One of the three baby tarantulas found in the car park (PA)

RSPCA inspector Kristy Ludlam who attended the scene said: "The woman caller who contacted us was understandably shaken when she realised the pots contained spiders as she is terrified of them.

"It appears someone ran over two of the pots and the driver told the woman who called us he thought he saw two larger spiders.

"No bodies were found so it is assumed they may have escaped.

"We collected all the pots and took them to a specialist, who found three baby arachnids in them which he believes are bird-eating spiders."

The inspector added: "It is likely that the spiders were unwanted pets which they may have been breeding and then decided to dispose of for whatever reason.

"The RSPCA would always ask people who are struggling to cope to let us know."

Additional reporting by PA.