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RE: TIL: Tarantula can bite humans
Yes they bite. My five year old is desperate to hold a tarantula, but the pet shop won't let her in case they bite. Some have their fangs removed if they are handled a lot, like in reptile petting zoo type scenarios, where they have spiders as well.
How cruel! I couldn't imagine ever trying to remove their fangs. That is sad to hear. I feel your 5 year old and I would get along great though! Hey if ever in Colorado they can hold mine! :) Well, when they aren't so hungry haha.
Yea, I have asked to hold them at a pet store and they wanted me to sign a waiver just in case. They could easily tear your fingers flesh apart but the chance of that happening is one I am willing to risk.
That is really interesting, I hate spiders, but my wife want to get reptiles and such so I might have to get one!
This is untrue. The only times fangs are removed are before they are cooked and eaten in some countries. You can't remove a tarantula's fangs as that need them to eat. They inject venom through their fangs, which breaks down the insides of their prey into a soup, then they suck those juices out.. also through their fangs. If someone tries getting you to hold, or sell you, a tarantula and tells you their fangs have been removed, they're lying.
You are absolutely right, shouldn't believe what you read or told, even if, or especially if told by your know it all husband.
I'm actually really happy that they don't do this, as has been said it is very cruel. And tarantulas at the aforementioned place must actually just be pretty tame.
lol At the know it all husband part. I'm in the zoological field and I've heard all kinds of bogus claims over the years. Defanged spiders, spiders that laid eggs under someone's skin, exaggerated spider sizes, etc etc. It happens, I just try to inform them when I can. 👍