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Encountering a spider in your shoes, a laundry basket, or in a closet is always an unwelcome surprise. Given Australia’s reputation for its wide variety of wildlife and its terrifying spiders, residents of the Sydney region are aware that the spider lurking in their footwear could very well be the most venomous spider globally.
The Sydney funnel-web spider is indigenous to Australia. As indicated by its name, it is generally located in the greater Sydney region and the Central Coast, often found in woodlands and residential gardens. This spider’s venom can be potent enough to cause human fatalities. It has a direct impact on the nervous system, leading to spasms and issues with breathing.
Similar to other spider species, female Sydney funnel-web spiders are larger than their male counterparts. Nevertheless, it is the males that are primarily responsible for human bites as they roam in search of mates. If you’re a resident or plan to visit Australia, how concerned should you be about encountering the world’s most dangerous spider? And what steps should you take if bitten?