Tarantula abandoned outside Aachen district office

A tarantula was found abandoned in a plastic bag containing a terrarium in front of the Haaren district office in Aachen, Germany. The local lower nature conservation authority has taken custody of the animal.

Authorities are currently working to identify the specific species and assess the spider's health. Once determined, the animal will be placed in professional care. Officials emphasized that owners bear a long-term responsibility for such pets, which can live for decades, and warned that abandoning animals is prohibited.

Depending on the species, certain tarantulas are protected under the CITES international convention, which requires specific documentation of origin. Violations regarding protected species can result in fines or criminal prosecution.