Funnel web spiders sightings have increased after the recent rainfall and change in the weather conditions to warmer temperatures.
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Highlands Snake catcher Ray McGibbon has already been on several callouts and said that the sightings will increase over the coming months.
"I have collected eight spiders this season in and around the Southern Highlands so far. These spiders are then sent for venom research, breeding and anti-venom programs," he said.
The funnel web spider habitats include rock and wood retaining walls, moist places, cool areas under rocks and rotting logs.
Mr McGibbon said that there are about 40 different species of funnel webs found in Australia and these are placed in two categories - Hadronyche and Atrax.
In Southern Highlands, four species are present which includes a new species called Hadronyche Nimoola. Experts are conducting research to get more information about this species.
Other species include Hadronyche Cerberea which is a southern tree funnel web, Hadronyche Versuta is the Blue Mountains funnel web and Atrax Robustus is the Sydney funnel web.
Mr McGibbon advises people to not try and kill them as they are medically significant and can be safely collected and can help save lives.
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In case of a funnel web spider bite, he advises people to call 000 straight away.
They can apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the affected limb of the person.
"Do not remove the clothing because removing clothing from limb can cause the venom to travel through the system. So, it's very important to keep the bite site and patient still," he said.
Wrap the limb from the lower part of the body to the top. The bandage must be tight as one would apply for a sprained ankle.
He asks people to apply bandages as high as possible on the limb.
"Apply a splint to immobilise the limb. Safely transport the patient to an ambulance or a vehicle to the emergency department at the hospital," he added.
- If anyone would like a spider identified or they have a suspected funnel web, they can contact Ray McGibbon via phone on 0400 734 225.
