Three bird-eating tarantula babies found dumped in Derbyshire car park - with fears adults may have escaped

The babies were contained in some of the 10 pots found discarded at the side of the car park at Bateman’s Yard Stable, on Birchwood Lane, Somercotes.

The pots carried different labels including one saying ‘Brazilian pink bird-eating spiders’.

But two of the larger pots were run over by a vehicle and it is thought the adults may have been in these and have escaped.

This type of tarantula is one of the largest in the world - with a leg span of up 10 inches - about the size of a dinner plate.

The abandoned spiders would have died in the pots had they not been found.

If any have escaped they are not likely to survive for long in the UK climate as they prefer hot and humid conditions.

RSPCA Inspector Kristy Ludlam, who attended the scene, said: “The women caller who contacted us was understandably shaken when she realised the pots contained spiders as she is terrified of them.

“It appears someone ran over two of the pots and the driver told the woman who called us he thought he saw two larger spiders. No bodies were found so it is assumed they may have escaped.

“We collected all the pots and took them to a specialist who found three baby arachnids in them which he believes are bird-eating spiders - in fact when he opened one pot a spider ran up his arm.

“He is keeping all the pots warm and secure as there is a possibility more eggs may hatch.

“We are concerned that someone would abandon spiders like this. Tarantulas live in a warm and humid environment in the wild and need the same provided in captivity, to meet their needs and keep them healthy.

“It is also an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, to release or allow to escape any non-native species into the wild.

“It is likely that the spiders were unwanted pets which they may have been breeding and then decided to dispose of for whatever reason. The RSPCA would always ask people who are struggling to cope to let us know.

“We would also recommend that anyone interested in keeping a tarantula as a pet thoroughly researches the particular species’ needs carefully first before deciding to get one, so they know what is involved.”

Brazilian salmon pink bird-eating tarantulas are partially pink and usually live on the forest floor in Brazil. Their usually eat insects, lizards and mice - although as their name implies they do snack on the occasional small bird.

The spiders have been taken to Arnold and Carlton Veterinary Centre in Nottingham where they will be cared for until they are ready to be re-homed.

Anyone with information about the spiders should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018. If the spiders are seen, do not attempt to handle them; monitor them from a distance and call the RSPCA on the number above.

For more information about meeting the needs of exotic pets, see the RSPCA website.