A giant tarantula discovery in Kirkcaldy has caused quite a stir among locals, especially children who were shouting and screaming when the spider was found. The Brazilian whiteknee tarantula, known to grow up to eight inches in diameter, was spotted outside a family home on Beatty Crescent near Kidd Street around 7 pm on a Saturday.
The shocking discovery led to the spider being posted on social media, receiving hundreds of comments from concerned residents. A resident living just yards away from where the tarantula was found described hearing children’s commotion and seeing the large spider motionless on the ground. Despite many people gathering to see the spider, it had disappeared when the resident returned for another look, possibly moving further up the street.
In a rescue attempt, Paul Dunn, a snake and reptile enthusiast, traveled from his home in Kennoway to Kirkcaldy in hopes of saving the spider. However, by the time he arrived at the location, the spider was nowhere to be found, leading to speculations of it escaping rather than being discarded. Dunn emphasized that there was likely only one spider on the loose despite multiple sightings in the area.
While acknowledging the public’s fear of spiders, Dunn reassured that there was nothing to be scared of, as the tarantula was probably someone’s pet that had been well cared for. He urged anyone who encounters a tarantula to contain it and contact animal rescue for assistance. Female Brazilian whiteknee tarantulas can live up to 20 years, while males have a shorter lifespan of four years.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of handling exotic pets responsibly and ensuring they are properly contained to prevent any potential scares or risks to the community. It also highlights the curiosity and concern of residents when faced with unexpected wildlife encounters in their neighborhood. Ultimately, the discovery of the giant tarantula in Kirkcaldy has sparked discussions about wildlife safety and the need for proper pet ownership education to avoid similar incidents in the future.