For the past six weeks, residents of the coastal community of Bowen, Queensland, have reported seeing the huge bird-eating spiders, the size of a man’s hand, crawling in public areas.

Queensland Museum spider expert Robert Raven identified the arachnids as the eastern tarantula, which is also known as the whistling spider (Phlogius crassipes), the largest spider in Australia.

Amalgamated Pest Control technician Audy Geiszler says the spiders have been pushed out of their natural habitat over the past month by heavy, unseasonable rains.

“They are very shy. They normally never venture out too far but obviously these ones have been flushed out for some reason,” Geiszler said.

He warned those working outdoors to wear shoes and gloves because the spider can deliver a “nasty bite.”

Photo: Amalgamated Pest Control - Bowen