A WOMAN got quite a fright when she saw a not-so-itsy-bitsy Chilean tarantula scuttling across her garden.

 

The RSPCA was immediately called after the “lost” tarantula was spotted scurrying around a garden in Chatham Road, Walthamstow, on Saturday (March 25).

 

Animal collection officer (ACO) David Eckworth went to collect the spider, later identified as a Chilean rose tarantula which can grow to up to six inches in leg-span.

 

Mr Eckworth said: “I think the woman had quite a fright when she spotted the tarantula running across her lawn.

 

“Using a slightly revised version of the upturned glass trick, she was able to trap and confine the arachnid under a bucket until I could get there.”

 

The spider was taken to the charity’s Harmsworth Animal Hospital nearby to be checked over and has since been moved on to a specialist exotics centre as there were no obvious signs of injury or illness.

 

Chilean rose tarantulas, also known as rose hair tarantulas, are one of the most commonly owned tarantulas in England.

 

Mr Eckworth added: “This spider is most likely a pet who has escaped from a home nearby and got a little lost in the gardens of Walthamstow.

 

“If anyone recognises the tarantula, we would urge them to get in touch with us by calling our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”