Thousands of giant spiders ‘the size of a human hand’ in UK after zoo set them free

It’s likely that anyone who fears spiders has nightmares about enormous ones escaping and occupying the entire nation.

That does sound like a nightmare, but to be fair, I’m not even afraid of the things. And it appears that it nearly happened, albeit perhaps not as vividly as some of the pictures our minds create.

This is because a zoo released thousands of enormous spiders “the size of a human hand” that are now crawling all across the United Kingdom.

Before being released, the “unique species” were hand-fed tiny flies with tweezers and carefully raised in separate test tubes (to prevent them from eating one another).

After nearly going extinct, thousands of fen raft spiders were released by the well-known Chester Zoo ten years ago.

On Facebook, it posted: “Ten years ago, we assisted in the repatriation of thousands of enormous spiders to the United Kingdom!

“We’re thrilled to announce that over 10,000 breeding female fen raft spiders have been produced at the zoo, and they just had the largest mating season ever!”

It went on to say, “You can’t miss them, they grow to be the size of your hand!” for those who might be freaked out. To be honest, you’re really welcome.

Guys, don’t panic. Despite their frightening appearance, fen raft spiders are “harmless” and essential to the wellbeing of aquatic environments.

Their home in the swamp was destroyed.

In an effort to restore their natural environment, the spiders were produced as part of a cooperative conservation breeding rescue initiative in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

The vast aquatic diversity found in the grazing ditches on our reserves is maintained in large part by these spiders, according to Tim Strudwick, site manager for RSPB Mid Yare nature reserves. The ladies are incredibly stunning and large, making them a truly unique sight to behold.

Fen raft spiders are distinguished by the striking white stripe that runs the length of their bodies. They can reach a size comparable to an adult human’s palm.

They differ slightly from ordinary spiders in that they lie in wait with their front legs resting on a body of water instead of weaving webs to catch their victim.

After its marsh habitat was destroyed fifteen years ago, the species was on the verge of extinction; however, according to the RSPB, there are currently 10,000 breeding females in the UK. In addition, this year is their finest ever.

“We’re extremely proud of the role we’ve played in this amazing conservation success story, guaranteeing the survival of a species that was once on the verge of extinction,” the zoo continued.