Spider Blocking Woman's Exit Is So Big People Reckon Fire Brigade Is Needed

A video of a woman's dramatic discovery of a large spider in a home in Australia has terrified users on TikTok. The viral clip, posted by Julia Martins (@xumartinss), has since garnered more than 5.1 million views since it was posted on July 18. A note overlaid on the video simply states: "POV [point of view]: Australia." According to a hashtag shared with the post, the moment was captured in Sydney. The footage shows a corridor leading to a door, where a giant spider is seen against the glass.

Are Spiders in Australia Dangerous?

Australia is home to a diverse range of spiders, many of which can appear intimidating due to their size. One of the most commonly encountered large spiders is the huntsman spider. Many species of huntsman spiders enter houses and are known for often terrifying people by "scuttling out from behind curtains," says the Australian Museum. "They are also notorious for entering cars, and being found hiding behind sun visors or running across the dashboard," the museum adds. Despite their fearsome appearance, huntsman spiders are generally harmless to humans. As with most spiders, they possess venom, and a bite may cause some ill effects. "However, they are quite reluctant to bite, and will usually try to run away rather than be aggressive. In houses, they perform a useful role as natural pest controllers," the Australian Museum says. In Australia, deaths have been caused only by male Sydney funnel-web spiders and redback spiders. The Australian Museum says that funnel-web spiders, particularly the males, are among the deadliest due to the severe effects of their bites on humans and primates. Despite many bites occurring annually, fatalities have been rare, with only 13 deaths recorded from male Sydney funnel-web spiders, according to the museum. Mouse spiders also have venom that can be as potent as some funnel-webs, although no deaths have been attributed to their bites. The availability of antivenins for both funnel-web and redback spider bites has significantly reduced the risk of fatal outcomes. Spiders in the genus Latrodectus, known for including the redback spider in Australia and the black widow in America, are noted for their dangerous bites. The Australian Museum states that antivenins are available for bites from these spiders, providing an effective treatment option.

'I Can Never'

TikTok users were terrified by the spider sighting in the viral clip. Inés wrote, "Bro i can NEVER visit Australia," and /@tarasenterfitt posted: "You couldn't pay me to live there." "I would be calling the fire department," commented @i_d_k_290 and Blush + Pearl Salon added: "I would absolutely call the police." Megan Khalidi wrote, "I absolutely, 100% could never...." and ors894 posted: "literally shivered i could never." User @hattieee.3 commented, "I would die," while @bby.yazzz added that "this is insane." User krdawson wrote "No bro. That's a Halloween decoration." Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified. Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.