Oise: tarantulas hidden in pots of olive trees from Spain

Macrothele calpeiana.

This is the scientific name for the Andalusian tarantula.

Several specimens of this species measuring from 2 to 4 centimeters were discovered this Tuesday, in a warehouse of the company Noz, in Bresles (Oise).

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While the employees were storing a batch of 90 olive trees from Spain, they saw a few small spiders, disturbed by the maneuver, escaping from a tree.

Immediately the alert is given.

“We warned the emergency services,” says the site director.

When the firefighters arrive, they mark out a security perimeter.

"They gave us a number of instructions that we applied," said the manager.

After the firefighters, it was a wildlife expert who was dispatched to the site by the prefecture to identify the species in question.

"He reassured us, they did not represent a mortal danger for humans", indicates the director of Noz, who emphasizes that "the work of the hundred or so employees of the company has never ceased despite the circumstances".

A painful but not fatal bite

The specialist sent on site nevertheless underlines that the bite of the Andalusian tarantula, if it is not fatal, "is painful and causes a strong inflammatory reaction".

He also specifies that this animal "must be handled with caution and by specialists".

Native to North Africa, Spain or Portugal, this tarantula is also one of the protected species in Europe.

To "prevent any leakage or contact", the departmental direction of the protection of the populations (DDPP) recommended that "the pots and the feet of the trees be protected by a plastic film.

What was executed by Noz.

The authorities indicate that expertises are in progress, which will decide on the follow-up to be given.

"I'm going to be careful when I get home, you never know"

This Wednesday, the news of the presence of suspicious spiders in Bresles had not yet completely reached the ears of the inhabitants of the town.

Only Dominique Cordier, mayor of the town, had been informed.

“I was warned of the problem Tuesday afternoon, confirms the elected.

We let the firefighters work, it was useless to panic the population.

This is not the first time that this has happened some time ago, it is a scorpion that had been discovered.

"

In the parking lot of the neighboring Intermarché, the presence of such specimens calls out.

"I had seen the news on social networks but I thought it was in Beauvais," Angélique, resident of Bresles, is surprised.

I'm still going to be careful when I get home, you never know.

Especially since my husband is terrified of spiders.

"

Firefighters trained in this type of intervention

In the shopping arcade, the manager of a shop starts to look in the corners "by reflex".

“It happened to me once to discover an insect in a plant bought in a garden center,” he says.

I don't think the spiders come this far but you never know.

"

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Last March, in front of the development of new companion animals (NAC), the firefighters of the Beauvais rescue center followed a training course delivered by "an experienced professional in the field of unusual animals".

This training allowed them "to understand this particular animal risk" thanks to "scenarios carried out with the objective of improving techniques of approach and management".

They could thus be confronted with snakes, lizards, caimans and ... tarantulas.