2 live tarantulas found in children’s toys by Canada Border Services

Two tarantulas are enjoying their new home after being found hidden away inside some children’s toys at the Edmonton International Airport.

According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) the tarantulas were hidden in a plastic container and a children’s toy.

On May 12, 2023, officers saw irregularities in a small package from Hong Kong and found a male tarantula hidden inside a plastic container. On June 1, 2023, another package from the same shipper was inspected and a female spider was found inside a toy plane.

Upon inspection and further examination by wildlife enforcement officers, it was determined that both spiders are Phlogiellus xinping—a species of tarantula—which are native to Hong Kong and are not CITES listed. CITES protects wild plants or animals by setting controls on international trade so that trade will not threaten the survival of the species.

The CBSA said the species does not require permits to import into Canada or export from Hong Kong, however Canada does have strict regulations for humane transportation of living creatures.

“CBSA officers were able to find and rescue these two tarantulas from inhumane shipping methods. All living creatures need to be transported and imported properly to keep Canada’s ecosystem and biodiversity safe,” said Lisa Laurencelle-Peace, Regional Director General, Prairie Region of the CBSA.

While the tarantulas had to make a long and difficult journey, they are now safe and sound at their new home — the Royal Alberta Museum.