Austria reports over 200 tarantula sightings

More than 200 sightings of tarantulas have been reported in Austria since the beginning of September, according to data from the Naturschutzbund. Experts have confirmed 175 of these observations.

Two species are native to the region: the Southern Russian tarantula and the black-bellied tarantula. The highest number of reports originated from Styria, followed by Lower Austria and Burgenland. While the Southern Russian species is typically found in Vienna and Lower Austria, and the black-bellied species in Styria and Carinthia, sightings in Burgenland included both types.

Experts noted unusual sightings in areas outside previously known habitats, such as Tulln in Lower Austria and the Gailtal region in Carinthia. The increase in sightings is attributed to the autumn season, as the spiders seek sheltered locations like earth burrows, rock crevices, or human structures to survive the winter.

The Naturschutzbund emphasizes that despite their large and hairy appearance, both species are completely harmless to humans.