# Tarantula sightings and abandonment in Europe

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tarantula-sightings-and-abandonment-in-europe
> Updated: 2026-11-08T09:40:06.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In October, a tarantula was found abandoned in a plastic bag containing a terrarium outside the Haaren district office in Aachen, Germany. The local nature conservation authority took custody of the animal to assess its health and species, noting that abandoning such pets is prohibited and may involve legal consequences if the species is protected under the CITES convention.

By November, reports emerged from Austria regarding a significant increase in tarantula activity. The Naturschutzbund confirmed 175 sightings of two native species, the Southern Russian tarantula and the black-bellied tarantula, following over 200 total reports since September. Experts noted unusual sightings in areas outside known habitats, such as Tulln and the Gailtal region. This increase is attributed to the autumn season, as the spiders seek shelter in burrows or human structures to survive the winter. Experts emphasized that these native species are harmless to humans.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-08: Austria reports over 200 tarantula sightings

Over 200 tarantula sightings have been reported in Austria since early September, with experts confirming 175 cases as spiders seek shelter for winter.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-reports-over-200-tarantula-sightings

### 2026-10-14: Tarantula abandoned outside Aachen district office

A tarantula was found abandoned in a terrarium outside a district office in Aachen, Germany. Authorities are identifying the species and ensuring the animal receives professional care.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tarantula-abandoned-outside-aachen-district-office

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Cite as: Tarantula sightings and abandonment in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tarantula-sightings-and-abandonment-in-europe