Huge spiders are making their way across the UK – and some are the size of your hand. The fen raft spider has been spotted crawling around by Brits, but many hope not to see one. Last year, Chester Zoo posted on their Facebook page: “Ten years ago we helped release THOUSANDS of GIANT spiders back into the UK!
“The fen raft spiders were bred right here at the zoo, and we’re super happy to report there are now more than 10,000 breeding females… and they’ve just had the biggest mating season on record! You can’t miss them, they grow to be the size of your hand! Honestly, you’re so welcome”.
In the comments, people were torn with some happy to see the spider being protected. Others dreaded the thought of seeing one themselves.
One person commented: “I need to know where they live so I can make sure I never get within 50 miles of one”.
While another penned: “Thank you, Chester Zoo, for making sure you protect and look out for the species that are not always as appealing to the human eye. Every living thing has its place and each little soul matters.”
The fen raft spider was on the verge of extinction in 2010 but thanks to Chester Zoo, it has made a comeback.
You can find the spiders in marshes from June to September as they can run across the surface of water.
The spiders are not venomous but can be large in size, reports The Standard.
Their size might be a little scary, but there’s nothing to worry about – fen raft spiders are completely harmless to humans.
It can be quite hard to spot this rare spider, but according to the RSPB the best time is when the young spiders hatch, as they can be visible when the adult spiders create their own nursery around the water on a sunny day.