A massive rescue spider is sending shivers down the spines of internet users everywhere. No matter how chaotic things get in the world, few Americans are likely to consider moving to Australia, the land where nightmares come alive—especially when it comes to creatures that resemble small mammals. This time, a story about a colossal spider has gone viral, solidifying Australia’s reputation as a place of eternal terrors. Time to curl up in the fetal position—and maybe stock up on Xanax.
Around a year ago, a group known as Barnyard Betty’s Rescue, located in Queensland’s Brisbane Valley, saved an enormous spider from someone wanting to squash it (because, naturally). They took this monstrous arachnid in, allowing it to live among other rescued animals. A photo of this creature has resurfaced, gaining traction online because, well, the universe has a wicked sense of humor. This eight-legged panic-inducer is affectionately named Charlotte, a Huntsman spider.
Is “Huntsman” Just a Fancy Term for “Please, No”?
Because, wow. Your first instinct is likely to scream, “NOPE!” or “Why even?” Why does a spider of this size need to exist in the grand design of nature? There are no clear answers to these puzzling thoughts, but Barnyard Betty’s attempts to paint her in a better light: “She was a beautiful, calm spider, not aggressive in any way, and like most spiders, she just wanted to go about her business eating bugs and living in peace. She didn’t need to be killed! Poor spiders are so misunderstood!”
While they try to make Charlotte sound harmless, we all remember that viral video of a Huntsman spider dragging a dead mouse around. A spider, carrying an entire mouse? That does not scream “safe” to anyone!
Speed and Size
A little digging reveals that these eight-legged monsters not only hunt their prey but can also run at lightning speed—about a yard per second. That’s way too fast for comfort. They can grow to the size of a dinner plate, and Charlotte is definitely on the larger side. Most Huntsman spiders are around five inches across, but judging by the photo, Charlotte is likely double that.
Help!
So, why does Charlotte deserve a loving home? Well, it turns out Huntsman spiders primarily feast on bugs and just happen to drag around dead mice for fun. So while she may leave us with some serious psychological scars, at least she won’t be plotting our demise in our sleep. Just the thought of her scuttling across our faces while hunting for late-night snacks is enough to send chills down our spines.
Alright, okay, I’m putting down my flamethrower. We can let her live. As Barnyard Betty’s reminds us, “All creatures great and small are welcome here at Barnyard Betty’s Rescue—a safe haven no matter how you look!!” As long as she stays on the farm (or the continent of Australia), we’re okay with it. But it wouldn’t hurt to keep some gasoline and matches close by, just in case.
Further Reading
For more on similar topics, check out our post on home insemination kits and to stay informed, visit CDC’s infertility FAQ for excellent resources. If you’re curious about the best supplies for your journey, Make A Mom offers top-notch products to assist you.
In summary, a giant spider named Charlotte has gone viral, raising both horror and curiosity online. Rescued from a premature end, she now lives among other creatures at Barnyard Betty’s Rescue in Australia. While her size and appearance are alarming, her diet primarily consists of bugs, making her less of a threat to humans than one might think.