University of Guelph contact? I have a dangerous spider that needs a place to live

[WHS]

Does anyone know who to contact at the University of Guelph? I have a dangerous spider here (and do not want to name the species). I obtained it from a local grocery store (it came in with the fruit, this is not the first time) because I didn't want it killed. I have two young children here and although the spider is well contained, I would like to find a permanant place for it ASAP. As much as I would like to just give it away, I do not want to be held responsibe for anything that may happen to the person who takes it if they do not keep it properly. So if anyone can help me please contact me offlist if possible at waterlooherpsociety@hotmail.com.

Thanks
Lisa

[Tim and Julie B]

Can't be anymore dangerous then our local blk widows or hobbo's. What kind of spider is it? I am curious. TB

[FrankQC]

I think I know someone that is going to the University of Guelph, I'm sending him a message, he's into inverts. I hope he can help you out.

[skinheaddave]

Thanks for the heads up, Frank. I am a student at the University and already keep various medically significant arachnids. I have sent you an email.

Cheers,
Dave

[WHS]

OK....I didn't recieve an email from Dave....and yes, it is a black widow.....I just don't like to advertize what I have in my home as all venomous spiders/tarantulas are banned in this area. I know from what I read that it isn't likely to be able to kill me (or any healthy young adult) but it's the kids I worry about. I can't come up with a place to keep it where they could never get at it or knock it down. So if the person from U of G could contact me I would really appreciate it.

Thanks
Lisa

[Yve]

Hi Lisa,
I contacted a friend of mine, who's partner works at Uof G, and she said that you can release the spider, if in fact it is a black widow, they are native to this area. If you need further advice, she recommended that you contact Mike Taylor at the Wildbird Clinic.

[WHS]

Hi, Thanks for the help, but unfortunatley I think this is a Southern Black Widow. I looked at some pics on the net and the one I have here looks more like that. Also, it came in on a shipment of grapes from California. I will check again to be sure. But I wouldn't want to release a non-native species. Thanks very much for your advice....and I think I may have found a place for it....I will try to post a pic in a day or two for anyone interested.

Thanks
Lisa

[arachnomania]

Put it in as box and ship it to me. I'll pay shipping and will take good care of it. I won't sell it as mine died of old age a few weeks ago. ust tell the people at the bus depot that the receiver will paye shipping.
All you need to write on the box is Robert Boudreau; Montreal, Quebec; 514-768-6210.
Send me the tracking number and voila!

[WHS]

I'd honselty love to replace your spider, but I would be terrified of shipping it. The first part that would scare me would be the packing. I don't even want to remove it from it's container. So I'm sorry to say, I think I have found a good home locally for him, but I do appreciate the offer. It was a great idea, but I feel it may be a bit too risky.

Thanks anyhow
Lisa

[skinheaddave]

Oi! You moving in on my turf, Robert? :D

Cheers,
Dave

[WHS]

LOL!!!! I'm not trying to start a spider war here....but yes, I have already offered it to Dave because he is WAY closer and I can easily deliver it too. And he contacted me yesterday. So as much as I appreciate all the offers, I think I have found a good home for it with Dave. I am probably dropping it off there this weekend so I can take a look at the rest of his inverts. Thanks again. I really just want it out of my home ASAP.

Lisa

[arachnomania]

Your in my turf Dave (lol). Go back to Arachnopets (lol)! J/K

I know Dave will take real good care of her. Sorry about that Dave. It's just that I miss mine and I have to wait a few weeks, maybe 1-2 months before I get more in.
Take care buddy,

[Yve]

oops!....wouldn't be good to release a non-native!....i was assuming that it was...strike that comment from the books!:D

[skinheaddave]

Originally posted by arachnomania
It's just that I miss mine and I have to wait a few weeks, maybe 1-2 months before I get more in.

Well, give me a shout before you do. I never gave widows a second look until I was at John (kugellager)'s house in Denver. Since then I have wanted one -- so if this one is to my liking it might be the next direction our collection takes.

Cheers,
Dave

[FrankQC]

I've been interested in getting one but I didn't know how I could house it. I've seen people housing them in big vials and I don't know how I can get the vials and the rack to support ~5 vials..?

How did you keep it Robert?

[arachnomania]

I have a plexi-glass enclosure apx 3"X10"X14" with a hinged cover along with a lock just in case it was to tip over. I had a nice little plant/branch fish tank decoration in there that also looked pretty nice. I have it stored away for the next one.

[WHS]

Thanks to everyone who replied to my post. I will be dropping the spider off to Dave on Sunday. He seems to definatley knoiw his spiders, and I'm sure he'll give it a great home. It's nice to know there are so many people out there willing to help me, and I will keep you all in mund if anymore come in. This grocery store regularily calls us about strange spiders. I keep any tarantulas, but don't want anything deadly....So thanks again for all your help.

Lisa