The Australian Reptile Park accepts public donations of funnel-web spiders for our spider venom program. Learn how to catch a funnel-web and find a drop-off point near you.

What You Need To Know About Spiders

There are five spiders that regularly cause concern to members of the public in this area. Of these only the funnel-web spiders and red back spiders are currently considered dangerous though there are others, such as mouse spiders, which are rarely encountered but potentially dangerous. Any spider larger in size than a dollar coin should be treated with respect, as all spiders have venom glands, though only the large species have fangs able to puncture human skin. The following safety rules apply to all spiders:

1. Do not leave clothes, shoes, towels, etc. on the floor
2. Check shoes before putting them on
3. Do not walk about at night without footwear
4. Do not handle spiders that appear to have drowned in pools, buckets, etc.
5. Wear gloves when gardening or working outside
6. Never touch a spider with your bare hands
7. Funnel-web spiders cannot climb up smooth pored surfaces (plastic, glass)
8. Funnel web spiders cannot jump

How To Catch A Funnel-Web Spider

Funnel-Web Spider Drop-Off Points

The Australian Reptile Park is the main location for funnel-web spider drop offs. However, if you are unable to get to the Park, there are a variety of drop off points you can take the spider to:

Central Coast

Newcastle

Sydney