Deadly Spider Invades German Supermarket, Shuts Down Store
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It's one of the world's most aggressive and dangerous spiders. Its bite can lead to pain, paralysis and even death. And having shut down a local supermarket, the arachnid may be wandering the streets of Bexbach, Germany.
While unpacking a crate of bananas, a supermarket employee was shocked to see a spider emerge from the box and scuttle under a shelf. Upon scouring the Internet for pictures of the creature, the employee reported that he had seen a Brazilian Wandering Spider -- one of the most dangerous spiders in the world.
Amy Stewart, the author of "Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon's Army & Other Diabolical Insects," cites the Brazilian Wandering Spider as one of her top five worst bugs, according to Spiegel Online. A bite doesn't just cause severe pain, but also leads to breathing problems, paralysis and even death.
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After shutting down the supermarket and raising an unsuccessful search for the spider, the store was sprayed with poison. The supermarket will be reopened on Monday, and a police spokesman advised that "experts believe the spider should be dead."
But the spider's body has not yet been located -- and Bexbach residents should stay alert. The Brazilian Wandering Spider may be wandering still.
For more information, visit Spiegel Online.