Just before Christmas last year, Michelle Jean Oberle and her family in Australia discovered they had an unexpected houseguest — one that didn’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
It started when Oberle spotted a large, dark shape clinging to her living room wall. On closer inspection, she realized it was an enormous huntsman spider who had quietly decided to move in.
Knowing huntsman spiders are harmless to humans — and excellent at keeping other insects away — Oberle and her family decided to let her stay. For a while, the uninvited guest kept mostly to herself, hiding high up in corners and making only the occasional appearance.
“[She] was here off and on throughout the year, then disappeared,” Oberle told The Dodo.
Months later, the spider returned — and she was even bigger.
“She is usually at the top of the walls,” Oberle said. “Being so large, she is easy to spot.”
Once timid, the spider now seemed perfectly comfortable sharing the space.
Oberle’s son, Liam, especially adores her.
“Liam really enjoys having her walk on him,” Oberle said. “She’s very calm when handled.”
The family affectionately refers to her as part of the household now. She roams freely from room to room, coexisting peacefully with the family’s cats and small dogs.
“We like that she is a natural insect remover and harmless to us,” Oberle said.
With open doors and windows, the spider is free to come and go as she pleases — but a year later, she’s still happily at home.
And it’s clear that this giant spider knows she’s part of the family now — because she acts like she owns the place.
