Tarantula scare has once again gripped several parts of West Bengal. Locals in Murshidabad, Burdwan, and Hooghly districts have reported suspected bites from hairy spiders. In the past few weeks, at least 30 incidents of such bites and sightings have been reported. As the news spread, locals in the area have been killing spiders on sight. Those affected included people from Purulia, Birbhum, Burdwan, North Dinajpur, Howrah, Purulia and East Midnapore.
According to The Statesman, a man who is suspected to have been bitten by a tarantula was admitted to a hospital in Murshidabad district. The spider bites were first reported in West Midnapore three weeks ago. People from Danton, Debra, and Keshiary sought treatment at a local hospital for swelling, blackening of skin around wounds and respiratory issues. They were discharged after hospitals in a couple of days. Hairy spiders were handed to local departments which were believed to have caused the infection.
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Hindustan Times quoted Zoological Survey of India Kailash Chandra as saying, “Some tarantula species are found in Bengal but it is simply a myth that their bite could prove fatal. One can fall critically ill only due to secondary infections because of improper treatment. Panic causes more trouble for the victim than the bite itself.” Zoologists are worried that the killings would push some of the tarantula species towards extinction.
Tarantula bites have been spreading panic in the region since 2000. Ahead of monsoon, people in parts of southwestern and some north Bengal districts report similar incidents. Arachnologist Sankar Talukdar said this is the mating season for the eight-legged insects. Poecilotheria Miranda, also called Indian/Bengal ornamental spider is among critically endangered species.
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