Hunter residents are being warned to remain vigilant as the world’s deadliest spiders become more active.

Funnel-web season is back in full force, with increased sightings expected throughout the region, the Central Coast and Sydney following recent rainfall.

In fact, they’re now on the move from cool, damp places in search of shelter and a mate, meaning encounters in homes, backyards, sheds, shoes and, even, pool filters are extremely likely.

Photo: Australian Reptile Park

And, while urging caution to people about the inherent risks of the species, the Australia Reptile Park is also calling on the public to safely catch and donate the spiders to support its life-saving antivenom program.

Since the initiative began in 1981, in partnership with CSL Seqirus, there have been no recorded

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