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"Apocalyptic" climate in Australia: hail now falls 1:57
(CNN) - Australia has already dealt with extreme fires, floods and hail this year. Experts now warn people to beware of deadly funnel web spiders due to the "perfect conditions" for the arachnid to thrive.
Originating in the humid forest regions of eastern Australia, several species of funnel web spiders are known for their highly toxic and fast-acting venom. On Wednesday, the Australian Reptile Park, based in Somersby, in the state of New South Wales, said spider activity had increased in recent days.
"Due to the recent rain and now the hot days we are experiencing, the funnel web spiders will begin to move," park spokesman Daniel Rumsey said in a video posted on Facebook.
"Funnel web spiders are potentially some of the most dangerous spiders on the planet, in terms of human bites, and we have to treat them very seriously."
Australia has been hit by the worst forest fires that have been seen in decades, with large parts of the country devastated since the fire season began in late July. At least 28 people have died throughout the country, and in the state of New South Wales alone, more than 3,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged.
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Severe thunderstorms provided relief to some areas at the end of last week, although flash floods created new risks. Parts of southeastern Australia were also hit by hail the size of golf balls, large enough to break car windows and injure birds, less than 24 hours after the region was hit by massive dust storms.
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Warren Bailey, owner of ABC Pest Control Sydney, told CNN that funnel web spiders are normally active during the summer, but the spider season came later than usual this year because the weather has been "very dry" in the last months.
"Their poison is quite toxic and can kill someone," he said. "Funnel web spiders are now outside with the recent rains, (and) they can go to people's homes on the ground or from the roof."
Spiders
