Man turns over angry pet spider to SPCA

Tarantula, which can jump 3 feet, had started rearing up and showing fangs

	Baboon spiders can jump three feet when they rear up on the hind legs. Its large fangs can also deliver a painful bite.

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updated 2:25 p.m. ET Aug. 17, 2007

ROCKY POINT, N.Y. - A New York man knew it was time to give up on his unusual pet when his Baboon Spider began to rear up on its hind legs and show its large fangs.

The Long Island man recognized the warning signs and called the Suffolk County SPCA which picked up the spider this week.

SPCA Chief Roy Gross says the Ornate Golden Baboon spider is a type of tarantula that can be moody. When it rears up on its hind legs, it can jump three feet and will bite with its large fangs.

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He says the spider can live for 25 years, and doesn’t make a good pet because it is very protective of its nest.

Its bite is painful and its venom can make a person sick.

The spider’s natural habitat is southern Africa.

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