Funnel-web spider season is HERE!🕷️🕷️🕷️ Residents of Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the South Coast are urged to exercise CAUTION as funnel-web spider season begins and activity of the deadly arachnid increases ⚠️ During funnel-web breeding season, you are more likely to come into contact with these spiders - in your backyard and even your home! 🏠🕷️ BUT! Seeing a funnel-web spider isn’t always a bad thing - it could be a chance for a responsible adult CATCH IT and contribute to our lifesaving venom program at the Australian Reptile Park 💚 The Australian Reptile Park is the only place in Australia that milks funnel-webs for their venom, which is used to produce lifesaving antivenom. We rely on the public to bring in any funnel-webs so WE NEED YOUR HELP! To catch a funnel-web, simply get a large, smooth jar and a long handled spoon. Maintaining a safe distance between yourself and the spider at all times, gently coax them into the jar, add a little damp soil and secure the lid. Then, head to your nearest funnel-web spider drop-off location📍 This is also the time to be brushing up on funnel-web spider FIRST AID - you never know when you might need it! 🔴 Call 000 and ask for an ambulance 🔴 Apply a pressure immobilisaton bandage to the entire bitten limb, starting at the bite site and continuing to bandage the entire limb 🔴 Keep the victim calm and restrict movement as much as possible 🔴 Wait for an ambulance or head straight to hospital