WANTED: FUNNEL-WEB EGG SACS!

We’re on the lookout for funnel-web egg sacs! To help grow our funnel-web spider population for our lifesaving venom program, we need funnel-web egg sacs. These little spiders will be raised here at the Australian Reptile Park for the collection of their venom, which is used to create vital antivenom for this deadly species.

If you’re out in the garden and you spot a funnel-web egg sac, please follow the instructions below and collect it! You will be helping us to save lives through our funnel-web spider venom program.

How to Collect a Funnel Web Egg Sac:

  1. Get a spoon with long handle and a container with a secure lid
  2. Using the spoon, gently scoop the egg sac into the container – be cautious of adult spiders in the area/nest
  3. Place the egg sac into the container with a small amount of damp soil and secure the lid tightly
  4. If there is an adult funnel-web spider and you feel confident to collect it, please follow the instructions below and keep the spider and egg sac in seperate jars
  5. Bring the jar/s to Australian Reptile Park as soon as possible!

Our Keepers will also be on the lookout for funnel-web egg sacs in key suburbs on the Central Coast. If you live in Wyoming, Ourimbah, Matcham or Terrigal, you may get a visit from Keepers looking to explore your backyard!

NOTE: Funnel-web spider egg sacs can only be accepted at the Australian Reptile Park. Funnel-web spider donations are accepted at every location.

How To Collect A Funnel-Web Egg Sac

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. Please see below for locations.

NOTE: Funnel-web spider egg sacs can only be accepted at the Australian Reptile Park. Funnel-web spider donations are accepted at every location.

Central Coast

SUBURB COLLECTION POINT AREA HOURS
Gosford Gosford Hospital
Racecourse Rd, Gosford
Pathology Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Sat/Sun 9am-3pm
Gosford Vital First Aid
30 Glennie St, Gosford
Front Desk Mon-Fri
9:30am- 4pm
Somersby Australian Reptile Park
Pacific Way, Somersby
Reception Mon-Fri
9am- 5pm
Wyoming Wyoming Veterinary Hospital
24 Cary Street, Wyoming
Vet Rooms Mon-Fri 8am-7pm
Sat 8am-3pm
Sun 8am-12pm
Wyong Wyong Hospital
Pacific Highway, Wyong
Emergency  24hrs 7 days

Newcastle

SUBURB COLLECTION POINT AREA HOURS
Broadmeadow Animal Referral & Emergency Centre
4 Lang Rd, Broadmeadow
Reception 24hrs, 7 days
New Lambton Heights John Hunter Hospital
Lookout Rd, New Lambton Heights
Pathology Level 2 Weekdays only
8am-5pm

Sydney

SUBURB COLLECTION POINT AREA HOURS
Brookvale Greencross Vets
Inside Pet Barn
60 Winbourne Rd, Brookvale
Reception Mon-Wed/Fri8:30am-7pm
Thu 8:30am–8pm
Sat 9am-3pm
Sun 9am-12pm
Caringbah Sutherland Hospital
The Kingsway, Caringbah
Emergency 24hrs 7 days
Hornsby Hornsby Hospital
Palmerston Rd, Hornsby
Emergency 24hrs 7 days
Helensburgh Symbio Wildlife Park
7/11 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Helensburgh
Reception Mon-Sun 9.30am-5pm
Monavale Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital
22 Park St, Mona Vale
Reception Mon-Fri 8-7pm
Sat 8-12pm
Terrey Hills Northside Emergency Veterinary Service
16 Myoora Road, Terrey Hills
Reception 24hrs 7 days
Westmead Westmead Hospital
Cnr Hawkesbury Road and, Darcy Rd, Westmead NSW
Emergency 24hrs 7 days
Windsor Hawkesbury City Council
George St, Windsor
Customer Service Desk Mon-Fri 9.00am-4pm