Commuters were shocked to be sharing their train carriage with a furry, eight-legged companion at London Bridge station earlier this month.
The pink-toed tarantula was rescued by Mat Hawkins, an RSPCA officer, last Friday (January 7) and taken to an animal hospital in Essex.
The 3.5cm tarantula is thought to be an abandoned pet. He will be looked after by hospital staff and hopefully will be given a new permanent home.
Mat said: “Passengers got more than they bargained for when they spotted this little guy on the train! He was shut inside a plastic tub so we believe he had been abandoned in the carriage.
“Thankfully passengers alerted staff who kept him safe in their office until I could arrive to collect him.”
Commenting on the case, the RSPCA warned that pink-toed tarantulas are difficult pets because they need specialist care and warm, humid living conditions.
Owners may not realise the commitment involved in looking after a pet, and complications can include the tarantulas possibly becoming aggressive, or growing very large.
Anyone looking to take on a tarantula as a pet should do a lot of research first to make sure that it is the right fit.
If you have any information about who was responsible for abandoning the tarantula please contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.