Spider Sighting Adds to Mystery
THE mystery of the spider spotted at a seaside resort deepened with a second sighting.
Teenager Rachel Andrews photographed a spider (left) in Seaton Carew near the Coasters pub while she was out with friends.
The Mail reported last month how a passerby at the resort saw what was believed to be a Goliath bird-eating tarantula, a species usually found in South America.Lee Mayhew, 28, from Billingham, was with his girlfriend, Jennifer Sutheran, 23, in Seaton Carew, when he spotted the fearful looking creature near a bench and took its picture.
Tarantula on the loose: Mail, May 14
Rachel handed her picture to the Mail after she photographed the spider using her mobile phone, but says she believes it was dead.
Rachel, 13, of Harvester Close, Seaton Carew, said: "It was just in the middle of the path and everyone was running away from it.
"We were walking past and everyone was saying 'look at that spider'.
"It was massive. My mam said when she saw the picture that it is not normal."
Rachel says she spotted the spider on Friday, May 9, three days before Mr Mayhew spotted the creature on the following Monday.
Experts identified the original spider as a Goliath bird-eating tarantula and said it could have been an escaped pet as they do not live in the UK.
Kim Plant, of North East Reptile Rescue, said while the spider is not classed as deadly, it can deliver a venomous bite that would cause severe swelling.
But Miss Plant added that a bite from the spider could be life threatening to people who suffer an allergic reaction.She had some advice for anyone with the misfortune to cross its path.
Miss Plant said: "If it's moving around people should try to get a box with holes in and place it over it.
"Don't try to capture it in your own hands, it could do damage to itself or someone else."
She added that should anyone see the spider they should call her on 07954 721365.
Have you unexpectedly come across a weird or wonderful animal or seen this tarantula on its travels? If so let the newsdesk know on (01429) 239381 or contact us online at mail.news@northeast-press.co.uk.
Hartlepool Mail: 4th May 2008
