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Unfortunately for us, Australia isn’t entirely populated just by friendly locals, cool kangaroos, and cute koalas. The Land Down Under sometimes seems like the most dangerous country on the entire planet and should be renamed the Land of Nope. 

In large part, the country owes its reputation to its ruthless natural hazards, the dangerous animals that live there, and all the scary things that want to make us yell ‘nope!’ and run away faster than the speed of sound in the opposite direction.

To show you just how scary animals in Australia can be, Bored Panda created a list of all the dangers lurking in the Land Down Under. Keep scrolling, share with your friends, and upvote your favorite dangerous animals in Australia!

#1

Roofhanger. Suspended Grey Headed Flying Fox, A Megabat Native To Australia

Giant bat hanging from a houses roof

Batwing is fine and dandy. He dried off and flew away as soon as it was night time. He was not sick, just wet.

Kristy Garbutt Report

#3

Believe It Or Not, This Is One Of The Least Dangerous Spiders We Have In Australia

Woman holding a massive spider in her hands

This is the huntsman spider, a common friend to be found in houses and garden across Australia. He's harmless really, don't let his large size intimidate you. Huntsmen won't bite humans unless provoked, are not venomous and are actually handy to have around the place, he'll use his speed and agility to keep your cockroach population under control.
Think of the huntsman as a handy pet. Respect his space, let him do his job and he'll look after you well.

PineappleDildo Report

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brigitta-swart avatar
callie-ffnet avatar
logical fallacy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My eldest cat is afraid of even moths. My younger cat though, would have this fellow for breakfast (and procede to throw it up on my pillow).

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james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This perspective is completely wrong on this one. Whilst huntsman spiders are big they aren’t this big. They generally grow to the size of the palm of your hand and are quite harmless and pretty placid when it comes to spiders. They make great house guests and help keep other insects and spiders numbers down. We had one in our house for about 3 months, we named him Henry and under no circumstances was anyone allowed to kill him. He lived peacefully in our house, rent free until he died of natural causes.

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Elizabeth
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It might be a small child in the photo, but they probably picked that photo just because it makes the spider look sooo big

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Oathbraker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"speed and agility" Whoa, whoa hang on a minute. You mean to say this is not only a giant spider, but it's a giant and fast spider? Well, who needs to see Australia anyway? Plenty of videos and photos online...

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Little Wonder
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Huntsmen spiders are timid sweeties who don't want to hurt you or even touch you. They're harmless, and very helpful with their insect diet.

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comboplush
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless they fall off a wall and onto your sleeping self. A former flatmate from Australia told me about this incident and I went from "they are somewhat cute" to "nope" before his sentence was finished.

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Cyndi H
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this was written by the huntsman spider... 'he'll look after you well'... Nope!

tehbonz avatar
B
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Think of the huntsman as a handy pet." AHAHAHAHA!!! Nope.

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Zelda Blue
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh geez you have to have this giant a*s spider around to keep the cockroach population under control??? NO FREAKING WAY!!!!

jamie1707 avatar
jamie1707
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would do anything to control roaches. I'd adopt a huntsman if I could. What I do have are house centipedes. No roaches since forever.

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Karen Klinck
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To add to your comfort, there are some cockroaches that can grow to 4 inches. And people keep them as pets. Really. You can actually buy them in pet stores.

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Han
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They used to come inside our farmhouse just before a thunderstorm. They'd just sit up high on a wall, disappear once storm passed. Excellent barometer! Never once wrong. But kill them and more come.

mrkette avatar
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Loki Laufeyson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a baby Acromantula, for all the Harry Potter nerds out there.

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Danielle Nyssen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't care if it is the least dangerous spider .... If it's bigger than my hand I'm not going near it. 😭😨

h-lane17 avatar
Han
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They tend to stay up high near roof and if startled will run because they are scared of us. I've picked them up no worries. They are soft and calm. I had a house one called Harry for a year. I answered the door once and forgot he was on my shoulder and the girl screamed and ran haha.

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Shane Chang
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"keep your cockroach population under control".... I'd rather have the (read in the voice of Samuel L. Jackson) m*****f*****g roaches.

lillikern avatar
Lilli
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

so. I have a HUGE fear of spiders, m hands are actually shaking righ now...

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Jo Bebe
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"a common friend to be found in houses" The world is not ready for the Intense Screaming!!

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Gloria Elena Gil
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I have arachnophobia. Just looking at the picture makes me want to run...

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Ang.stl
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m starting to think this is not the fun and games I first imagined it might be!! I may cry.

njscrutton avatar
Naomi Scrutton
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a pet Huntsman that freeroamed in my house. He was only about as big as my palm and ate flying cockroaches (they were a problem in my suburb)

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Stephanie Goadsby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love spiders. It was the "keep your cockroach population under control" part that did it for me. Australia has enough creepy crawlies as it is without wording this as though having cockroaches is just assumed. *shudder*

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X ElectricReaper X
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, as long it STAYS THE HELL OFF AND AWAY FROM ME, i'll be okay.

jim_ellington avatar
Jim Ellington
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All spiders are venomous, even the ones who for one reason or the other can't/won't bite you. The purpose of fangs is to inject venom.

klaudiia9191 avatar
Klaudiia Sherbatzky
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No no no no no no!!!!!! I would die ! I live in Austria and we don´t have animals like that and I am soooo happy about it because when I would see a spider like that I would faint.

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David Deremo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um..... Might I suggest that you not render yourself unconscious as a result of fainting..... Chances are that if the Huntsman were particularly famished, he may use the opportunity to sink them fangs straight through an eyelid for a quick snack, ruining an otherwise very promising modeling and acting career.

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Nupraptor
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have these in Florida. I know because I had one in my house last year. My cat was meowing incessantly and staring up at my ceiling so I looked up to where he was gazing and there was a spider the size of my entire hand. Scooped him into a large cup and took him outside.

mrkette avatar
Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have moved and bought all new furniture, clothes, appliances, food, etc.

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Oupsay
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to have a family of huntsman's living in my house that were all called Esmerelda but then they moved away 😥

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ELEPHANT
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t care if it’s harmless keep it the f**k away from me ☺️

jeannemarais_1 avatar
Jeanne Marais
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What? Of course they’re venomous what r u on about. Just because the venom won’t kill you or make you sick doesn’t mean it’s not there. I get saying it’s not venomous if the venom has absolutely no effect, especially since literally all spiders produce some sort of venom. But huntsman venom still hurts a crap ton lol, it’s not nothing.

srvanmaanen avatar
youshouldseemeinacrown
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure almost every house in Australia has a harry the huntsman lol

alyssawright avatar
Alyssa Wright
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Any spider bigger than a cat is not allowed to live on earth. Thanks!

elizabeth_gardner925 avatar
Elizabeth Gardner
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All Huntsman are Females of that size ranging from Grey to brown. The males when mating have to be very fast if not he is in trouble. They are terrified by the females, and will mate and then move quickly if he is not fast enough she will eat him.

mcsastudent avatar
mcsa student
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

time to break down and cry in pure terror. p.s. severe arachnophobia here...

escarborough2 avatar
Elizabeth Scarborough
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have relatives in Australia, these suckers get into your car and house. One time there was one on top of the sun visor. Pulled it down whilst driving and it dropped on their lap. No thank you! Another time there was one lingering on the ceiling and would move from room to room.

susanna105yyc avatar
Zsuzsanna Szucs
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's the biggest NOPE I ever seen in my life... Greetings from Canada :)

eaglegirl36 avatar
Eagle Girl
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If this thing eats roaches, just how Big are they in Australia?

shadowlady5 avatar
Verona Bingham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Huntsmen are not dangerous nor are they poisonous, But l'm 62yrs old and l have Never seen a Huntsman this big, my first thought was someone's using an Al machine to try & scare people.? Just a guess after the visual effect.lol

eleanordisco avatar
snek
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"A common freind to be found in house" NO. NO. NO NO NO.

chsmith avatar
CHRISTY SMITH
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

F**k that, I would prefer to find a different way to kill any and all cockroaches. I would be paralyzed with fear if I came anywhere near this beast.

zoeyprowse avatar
Donkey Pandaaaaaaaa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aaaahhhhhh why did I click on this post I’m arachnophobic oh I regret this now help

integralinvestigation avatar
integral investigation
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How much do private investigators earn? Well, that is an excellent question. Private investigation in Australia is a fairly small industry sector, although it is still a competitive one. There are a number of small operators giving the impression that they are larger than they actually are, and a few unscrupulous operators as well. https://integralinvestigations.com.au/find-my-family/

vward5120 avatar
Valerie Ward
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holy C**p! I don't know if I will ever be visiting Australia..it is just too weird for me.... living here in the States!

ariateare avatar
Aria
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I usually don't mind spiders. In fact, some of them are oddly cute to me. This, however. This is horrifying.

kkittywidget avatar
Karen Klinck
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All spiders are venomous. It's how they eat. Read: he won't kill you with his venom. I know a few people this would send into orbit--to get away.

elizabeth_gardner925 avatar
Elizabeth Gardner
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All Huntsman spiders of that size with colouring from grey to brown are SHE's. They rule. The males are small and black and terrified of the females, why? because at mating time he has to be fast and careful if he is not fast enough once mated she will eat him!

carolyne_20_01 avatar
Carolyne Favregros
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was looking at the print on the shirt and was like "Damn, that's one weird-looking spider"

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Enn Geecee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh huntsmen are GREAT friends! Huge, but excellent at keeping garden pests away. They come inside when it rains, but are happiest outside

mattbluesman21 avatar
Matt O'Quinn
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The huntsman is a lovely one. they kill all the baddies for you. they just look creepy is all.

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Týna Ef
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

gave me creeps only fom seing it...hate spiders so much :/

moglovonio avatar
Sage Hogan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All spiders are venomous, and if you're allergic to their venom it can still be deadly! Personally, I can be killed by a tarantula bite whereas most people would be fine, so it's better to consider all spiders as a danger (However they're still very important to the ecosystem, so don't kill them just try to avoid them!)

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Glen Clabaugh
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Mum says these things are "cuddly." I think she is "insane."

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Jjjane20
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog usually licks spiders, takes it to his mouth and then spits a little spider ball. I am wondering what he would with this one..

eflower2004 avatar
Eflower2004
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll keep him around to keep cockroaches away, but he's not coming in my house!

caseyjo03 avatar
Baby panda🥰
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope nope nope I have extreme arachnophobia and even looking at that pic made me so on edge now

cpwhite1 avatar
Christopher White
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

P.S.> the large huntsman is a female , you'd be lucky to find a male in any order of spiders, coz most female spiders eat the male after having sex...

christysmith_1 avatar
Christy Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope! My heartbeat jumped just enlarging the pic (no seriously).

ellieragsdale avatar
Ellie Ragsdale
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought for a sec they were talking about the thing on that shirt, whatever that is.

diana4words avatar
Diana Crawford
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All I wanted to know is does the Huntsman spider bite humans and is its diet insects and rodents. After reading about the Huntsman spider as being a pet for they eat European cockroaches I am ok about this one hanging around seriously.

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Birungi Ton
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will get one for roaches snice they have decided to resist pestcides

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Dorlinda Chong
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Snakes are not poisonous, they are, as you later said "venomous." Hemlock is poisonous.

har42111 avatar
Hayden Arrowsmith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not venomous my a**e!... Wait until you've been bitten then tell us that. Hurts like hell for about an hour and the pain spreads up the bitten limb... and for those saying they won't bite you, I know three people that have been bitten by them, myself included. One of the others copped it far worse, he was bitten on the Jatz crackers when he grabbed a pair of jeans off the clothes line and put them on. He was in agony for over an hour and his nads were the size of an orange for a couple of days.

james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brother was bitten by a huntsman and whilst it did hurt there was nothing that needed to be done because the venom isn’t dangerous to humans (unless allergic or immune compromised). My parents took him to the hospital coz he was screaming and they gave him a sugar tablet as a placebo and it worked. I have had many close calls with huntsmans where they had plenty of opportunity to bite me and I have never been bitten. No one said they won’t bite you but they generally aren’t aggressive spiders and would much rather run away than bite.

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Fairy Kat
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG, WHAT SIZE SHOE WOULD YOU NEED TO WEAR IIIF YOU EVEN DARE STEP ON THAT GIANT TO KILL IT?! And you'd better make certain YOU DON'T MISS.

kittee_katt avatar
Em Watson
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His name is Behemoth! He's actual the little girls pet!!!! And Yes he is that big. He's a huntsman!!

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Karen Klinck
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All spiders are venomous. The question here is, does this affect a human? And I don't care if it's friendly (and spiders don't bother me; I toss them outside all the time rather than squishing them) that thing isn't coming inside.

gypsysnail avatar
Chelle Snail
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love huntsmen spiders, since one saved my life 7 years ago when a whitetail spider (very dangerous, venomous) was about to attack my foot and I did not see it and luckily I moved away and then I came back in the room and saw a huntsman was eating it :) I thanked it and let it roam around my place after that and now always let huntsmen roam my houses, they eat all the horrible mozzies and flies and any dangerous spiders.

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Smilodon, a Bad Cat
Community Member
11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every time Oz comes up on BP I learn about more horrors than a Hammer film festival. Normal spiders eat flies/mosquitoes and other vermin. I never kill them, usually toss them into the bushes out back, or into the basement if it's raining hard. This thing (and a whitetail SPIDER?! up here whitetails are deer) belongs in a movie. Not in the house. Never. It can be cool and friendly on the other side of the world, thank you very much. Jumping Jeezus in a Coupe DeVille, what next?

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madmickx
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just a slightly pedantic observation: Please use the correct term, "venomous" to describe creatures which can bite or sting and inject venom. "Poisonous" means something which has to be eaten to do you harm, like blowfish.

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Fidget Zaftig
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hunstman are bad a*s. We get some here in New Orleans, they arent native but apparently enough have survived their stowaway adventures. They never get that bug though, I'm guessing because they get murdered. :(

jedichda avatar
Diane Hagerty
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought I read somewhere that a Huntsman spider WAS dangerous. Hmm, even so I think I would still avoid them big time.

james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are one of the very few least dangerous spiders. They aren’t aggressive and their bites are harmless.

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D. Pitbull
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude. Come on over, you can have AAAALLL the fruitflies, blackflies... I'll pay you to eat the silverfish...

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Meghan Turnis
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog is blind and he'd see this thing and be terrified. I'd be catatonic, so no help there...

jennyih avatar
Peta Hurley-Hill
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They hurt like hell when they bite though an some (usually the ones with stripey legs) are really aggressive.I hate big spiders :(

totengruft avatar
Alexandru Bucur
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's the rule of thumb - the bigger the spider, the less venomous it is, because it can use it's size to hunt prey. That's why the most venomous spider ever is the Sydney funnel-web, which is usually about 2cm long ... Also in Australia, in case you were wondering.

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Danae Squires
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did have to get one out of my bathroom using a shoebox once. I didn't have a Tupperware container big enough

talanetaylor avatar
Tee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't see the spider at first, I thought she had a huge moth on her shirt.

markpeels avatar
Mark Peels
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this one is the first that perfectly fits in this list!! Nice to see but her presence doesn’t really sooth me.

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Erica D B
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They always creep me out. My auntie had a 'pet' Huntsman living in one of the top corners of her kitchen. It disappeared one day and I never asked about it, didn't think about it too much. I got used to seeing it there.

rhyanlumilay avatar
rhyan lumilay
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

f**k that we also have that one here and I swear those thing starts my spider phobia when one crawl in my hand while I was in the floor watching t.v. and the lights are off. I thought it was a cockroach but when I opened the lights in my horror I saw him on the wall just above the t.v!

bronmargaret avatar
Magpie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try some light relief. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrS6akzR3sk

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Sharon Conlan
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

spconlan avatar
Sharon Conlan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That truly are handy to have around the house. They don’t produce webs and keep other insects in check.

devonbunny avatar
Bunny Wood
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We get quite a few Huntsmen at home, not quite as big as this one. They are amazingly quick.

hikari-kamui731 avatar
Iceroyalmilktea
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i'm fine with large spiders as long as they dont jump or make webs above my heads

amyfrank avatar
Amy Frank
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is going to keep him under control!! Knowing my silly cat, she will happliy try and catch it and bring it as a gift for me

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Tenay Douglas
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look if it keeps him from snacking on me he can have the cockroaches

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Linda Robinett
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw one while in Australia and someone told me it was harmless. Very impressive.

stormrise avatar
Storm Rise
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup- these guys are great! No messy webs, and a bug-free house!

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Aaron Kramer
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do they get in your house ? Are there cases where it's normal for them to show up while your sleeping in bed or sitting on the couch & they crawl on & over you? Am I going to have to buy some gasoline cans & lighter fluid & burn my house to the ground.?

amk60jrd78429raven avatar
Aaron Kramer
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Won't bite me unless provoked?! So wonderful to hear! So what does he consider provoked? If I simply walk from my kitchen to sit down on the living room couch & it just happens to be hanging out about a foot or so to where I sit, Will he consider that a provocation & attack?

edwardleef avatar
edward leef
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here in N.Z, they park up on the light switches so that you get a handful of spider when you reach up to turn the light on.

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Bri-bear
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have fed a mouse to the huntsman living in my house, he demolished it

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Oupsay
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i used to have a family of huntsman's in my house that were all called Esmerelda but they moved away 😥

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danielw
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'least dangerous', sure, but those bastards are going to keep you up at night, with that skittering around, chasing things down.

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Mike
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They also climb on the walls and they have no respect for keeping quiet when others are sleeping. Their "feet" have "tarsial claws" that make a racket when they walk, but are almost loud when they run across wood paneling.

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pony33
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still want to put my steel toe boots on. And play squish the spider

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Sandy Kavanaugh
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I'll love him, and stroke him, and pet him, and call him George!"

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Elizabeth Mitchell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They live under the bark of trees and catch insects. They only get annoying when they wander into your house. LOL

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Debra Trayler
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is rubbish - Huntsmans are never this size, this has been photoshopped. They are only about the size of your hand. Pffff. For a laugh, and a good dose of truth, check this out ... https://www.facebook.com/ABCTV/videos/1210434632471287/

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From enormously big spiders to deadly venomous snakes, ferocious crocodiles, octopuses, and disgustingly overgrown earthworms, the Great Southern Land seems to have it all when it comes to nightmare fuel and creepy crawlies. We can probably all agree that some Australian animals look absolutely terrifying, but how dangerous are they really?

#4

Meanwhile In Australia

Massive snake eating a crocodile

An olive python (Liasis olivaceus), western Australia's largest python, having a feed on an Australian freshwater crocodile (crocodylus Johnstoni).

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#5

Araucaria Pine Cone, It's Been Reported To Kill People When Falling

Boy holding a massive pine cone in his hands

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Jill
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and I thought everything was bigger in the States but Australia wins this one!

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#6

Do You Even Lift Bro?

Buff kangaroo posing for a picture

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Adam
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the late Roger Roo from Alice Springs. He died earlier this year :(

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Around 170 snake species live in the country, 100 of which are poisonous. However, that’s not even the worst part: 21 out of the world’s 25 most venomous snakes inhabit Australia.

#7

Ladies And Gentlemen, The Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus Porosus)

Giant crocodile taking a bait from a boat

I'm from Darwin, Australia and our rivers here are full of these monstrosities. This guy here is nicknamed Nifty, and he is about 6m long.

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#8

Honey, There Is A Kid On Our Bug...

Massive green bug on the back of a kid

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#9

Spider Frost. Rural Victoria, Australia

fields and tables covered with spider webs

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Snakes kill less than 3 people a year in Australia, and the number of casualties seems even smaller when you compare it to the 11,000 individuals that snakes annually kill in Asia.

#10

This Is How Australians Ensure Their Electricity Meter Doesn't Get Read

Massive spider with multiple smaller ones on a electrical box

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#11

Meanwhile, In Australia

Snake under the seat of a toilet

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Ale_Vidal23
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i like how the toilet has literally been broken into its pieces. this reaction is legit honestly

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#12

Toads Riding On A Python

Multiple frogs on a Python on the grass

68mm just fell in the last hour at Kununurra. Flushed all the cane toads out of my brothers dam. Some of them took the easy way out - hitching a ride on the back of a 3.5m python.

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Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cane toads are deadlier than the python believe it or not. Cane toads have very few predators due to the toxins. These cane toads were hitching a ride to escape a storm although on expert claims that the male cane toads were in fact trying to mate with the python.

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If poisonous snakes don’t cause you to scream and panic, then what about spiders? More than 2,400 different species of arachnids call the Land Down Under their home.

Among them is the deadly Sydney funnel-web spider, which can end a person’s life within 15 minutes of biting them. This spider always gets into the top lists of the world’s deadliest arachnids and doesn’t mess around: if you see one, nope, right out of there!

RELATED: 50 Animals That Would Be Nightmare Fuel To Non-Australians

#13

Dead Whale Filled With Gas, On The Brink Of Exploding In Bunbury Yesterday

Dead whale in the middle of the street

Mark Watkins Report

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Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wouldnt want to be near that when it explodes, the stench would be awful.

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#14

This Giant, Hot Pink Slug Is Only Found In A Single, Isolated Forest On An Extinct Volcano In Australia

Giant red slug on the rock

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#15

You Know You're In Australia When Frogs Eat Snakes

Big green frog eating a snake

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That’s not to say that every single spider you encounter abroad is going to be a threat to you. Fortunately, less than 50 Australian spider species pose a threat to people. Let’s also not forget that most spiders are our friends and help keep the native insect population down. 

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Obviously, these tidbits of good news won’t really make Australia’s spiders any less scary to look at. Anyone with arachnophobia should probably still avoid Australia until they get over their fear of spiders and travel elsewhere for their summer vacation.

#16

Meanwhile In Australia

Old couple in a store holding a massive snake

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#18

A Massive Earthworm Found In Queensland, Australia

Man holding a Massive Earthworm on a knife

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What is Australia’s Deadliest Animal?

It might come as a surprise, but Australia’s deadliest animal isn't one of its many venomous creatures. Forget the spine-chilling spiders or the fearsome crocodile. According to the NCIS (National Coronial Information System), the title of Australia’s deadliest animal goes to a far more familiar creature: the horse.

In the wild and rugged landscapes of Australia, where one might expect the most danger to come from its notorious wildlife, it’s actually horses, ponies, and donkeys that pose the greatest risk. From 2001 to 2017, horses have been responsible for the highest number of animal-related deaths in Australia, with 172 fatalities, mostly due to falls.

Cows and other bovine animals also rank high on the list, with 82 reported deaths for the same period of time, mainly through accidents rather than direct attacks. Even our loyal companions, dogs, hold a surprising rank as the third leading cause of animal-related fatalities, responsible for 53 deaths. Most victims were children and elderly people.

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Meanwhile, creatures like snakes and spiders, while dangerous sometimes, have caused far fewer fatalities than one might expect.

#19

Filling Up Your Fuel Tank In Australia? Yep That'll Try And Kill You Too

Fuel tank intestine with a snake behind it

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Oathbraker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hello good sir. Do you have a moment to talk about our lord and savior Lucifer Morningstar?

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#20

Mother And Girlfriend Found This On The Beach Today

Sea anemone washed up into the shore

This was found in Broome, Western Australia and looks like an anemone. More specifically, Dofleinia armata, the armed anemone. Also called the striped anemone. It is considered extremely dangerous as it can inflict painful stings that take months to heal.

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#21

Walked Up On The Back Of This Sign While Hiking In Australia...

Danger sign in the middle of nowhere

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Lu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tigers AND snakes breeding together... this is truly frightening lol.

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SkyNews reported 3 shark-caused fatalities in South Australia in 2023. This number is notable as there were only 8 deaths in the previous 22 years. Meanwhile, crocodiles kill an average of 1 or 2 people every year in Australia, with a peak in 2014 when 5 crocodile-related deaths have been reported (via The Guardian). However, it’s not just animals that can harm you in Australia.

The country is also known for its giant 10-kilogram pine cones that can fall on top of you, as well as tennis ball-sized hailstones that can cause severe damage if your head is unprotected. When in Australia, it’s best to either keep looking in all directions at once in search of threats or shut your eyes and wish you were somewhere safe and sound.

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RELATED: Scientists Share The Terrifying Creatures They Found In 16,000 ft Deep Ocean, And We Almost Wish They Hadn’t

#23

Why You Gotta Always "Check Your Shoes" In Australia

Small snake tucked inside of a Crocs

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#24

Aussie Mom Finds World's Second Most Poisonous Snake Hiding In Her Kid's Lunch Box

Small snake hiding in a colorful lunch box

Snake Catchers Adelaide Report

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Sian Edwards
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Venomous. Something is poisonous if YOU eat it and become ill. Something is venomous if IT bites or stings you. Spiders and snakes can be venomous, fungi can be poisonous.

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No wonder the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, beloved zookeeper and one of the bravest people in history, hails from Australia, where danger lurks around almost every corner, and you’re not sure which animal poses a threat.

RELATED: 30 Ways People Destroyed PETA For Criticizing Steve Irwin

#25

Australia. Where Even The Hail Can Kill You

Pool balls compared to hail size

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Sasy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1999 it smashed through the roof of second storey houses and through the floor to the first floor, it was a scary day.

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#26

In Australia Everything Is Trying To Kill You. Even Your Ceiling Lamp

Massive snake coming out from the roof light

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SirPatTheCat
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How rude! I bet he invited himself over too! Couldn't use the front door, noooo....

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#27

This Is Why You Always Have To Check The Toilet In Australia

Massive snake in a white toilet

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Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whilst a lot of these snakes are scary, most shown in these images are of pythons which are generally harmless. Yes they can constrict and kill a person if they really wanted to but it is very rare for that to happen.

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So, How Many People Are Killed by Animals in Australia?

Based on the available data, from 2001 to 2017, there were 541 animal-related deaths in Australia, with an average of 32 deaths per year. As we’ve seen, among the most deadly animals in Australia, we don’t find any exotic dangers but very familiar faces—horses, cows, and dogs—with land mammals accounting for 71% of all deaths by animals in the country.

These tragedies mainly happened on public roads (30.3%), homes (20.7%), and farms (19.2%).

#28

Blue-Ringed Octopus (Highly Venomous) On Hand

Blue-Ringed Octopus on peoples fingers

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#29

Welcome To Australia Where Insects Are The Size Of A Small Mammal

Green insect on a wooden fence in a backyard

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Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks to be a Goliath stick insect and are harmless. They apparently make good pets too.

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#30

So My Friend Found This On Her Back Door. Only In Australia Right?

Massive spider behind a glass door

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What is the Most Unusual Animal in Australia?

We’ve been all about the numbers so far, but what about picking Australia’s most unusual animal? There’s no objective answer to this (there are too many weird animals in Australia), but here’s our personal favorite.

Thorny Devil Lizard is a tiny, colorful reptile covered in spiky scales, which give it a dragon-like appearance and help collect and direct water to its mouth—something this species adapted for to survive in arid environments.

Found primarily in the central deserts of Australia, the Thorny Devil Lizard has a peculiar way of walking. He moves in a slow, rocking motion that helps it escape predators and feeds almost exclusively on ants.

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#32

Damn Nature You Scary

Massive termite mound compared to a woman

Picture of a termite mound in the northern territory of Australia, termites build the tallest structures out of any of the creatures on Earth. Humans would have to build something 10km (6.2 miles for those not on the metric system) tall to equal the scale of size of person to building. Termite mounds are also stronger than cement.

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#33

I’m Not Going Into The Kitchen Today! Ask Him To Make You Something

Palm sized spider on a kitchen's microwave

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#34

A Friend Of Mine Left For A Holiday In Australia Some Weeks Ago. I Asked Him How Things Were. He Send Me This Picture With The Reply "The Things I've Seen.."

Massive spider on a windowsill

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#35

Welcome To Australia, Where Frogs Eat Snakes

Green frog eating a small snake

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#36

The Net Casting Spider (Ogre Faced Spider) Hang Upside Down With A Net Made Of Their Silk Waiting For Their Prey To Walk Underneath Them

Massive brown spider casting a net

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Toujin C'Thlu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These guys look scary, but *won't* kill you. That net of theirs is reserved for bugs

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#37

The Flies Are Much Worse Than The Spiders In Australia

A large amount of flies on man's back

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#38

A Pic A Mate Took Last Night. Awesome Spidley. South East Queensland, Australia

Black and white spider in a spider web and person's hand behind it

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Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The perspective is fake they only grow to approx 5cms. This is a golden orb spider and whilst scary the venom isn’t strong enough to effect a human.

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#39

Every Winter Black Portuguese Millipedes Invade The South Of Western Australia

A large amount of small black snakes on a carpet

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#40

Felt A Tickle On My Leg, Australia

Massive green lizard on person's leg

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Note: this post originally had 75 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.

Ever been in the country and met any of these Australian creatures? Or maybe you’ve got a story about an animal that deserves a spot on this list? Scroll down, leave a comment, and don't forget to upvote the scary Australian animals that amazed you the most!

RELATED: This Online Community Celebrates The Land Of ‘Nope’, Here Are 34 Of The Best Posts (New Pics)