By Unofficial Networks Updated: October 14, 2025 (Originally published October 25, 2021)
In the wild world of Australian wildlife, few sights are as jaw-dropping as a gigantic huntsman spider feasting on a tiny pygmy possum. This chilling encounter, captured in viral photos back in 2019, continues to captivate nature enthusiasts and arachnid fans alike. As we revisit this story in October 2025, let’s dive into the details of this “stuff of nightmares” moment that unfolded in a remote ski lodge – and explore why it’s still making waves online today.
The Shocking Discovery at Mount Field National Park
Adam Latton and his friend Roger were staying at an old ski lodge in Tasmania’s Mount Field National Park, fixing a door hinge late at night. Suddenly, their flashlight beam revealed a massive huntsman spider clinging to the frame, its fangs sunk into a small, furry creature.
Adam, who was holding the light, spotted the spider just 8-12 inches above Roger’s head. The prey? A pygmy possum, the world’s smallest possum species, measuring about the size of a large walnut or 2-3 inches long. Despite the horrifying scene, the duo stayed calm. Roger, dubbed the “bravest spider man in the world” by Adam’s wife Justine, used an ice cream container to gently relocate the spider – possum and all – outside without harming it.
Justine Latton shared the photos on a Facebook group for Tasmanian insects and spiders, where they quickly went viral. Commenters called it everything from a “great specimen of nature” to the “stuff of nightmares.”
What Are Huntsman Spiders? Fast Facts for 2025
Huntsman spiders (family Sparassidae) are known for their impressive size and speed, earning them a spot in many Aussies’ nightmares. Here’s what you need to know:
- Size: Leg spans can reach up to 12 inches – about the diameter of a dinner plate.
- Habitat: Common in Australia, including Tasmania, they prefer warm, humid spots like lodges and homes.
- Diet: While they usually hunt insects, larger huntsmen can take down small vertebrates like lizards, frogs, and yes, even pygmy possums.
- Danger to Humans: Despite their looks, huntsman spiders are not aggressive toward people. Their bite is painful but rarely dangerous, comparable to a bee sting.
- Fun Fact: These spiders don’t spin webs to catch prey; they actively hunt, using their speed to ambush victims.
In recent years, climate change has potentially increased sightings in human areas, though no new major incidents like this one have been reported since 2019.
Meet the Pygmy Possum: Tasmania’s Tiny Marsupial
The unfortunate victim in this tale is the pygmy possum (Cercartetus spp.), a cute but vulnerable creature native to Tasmania and parts of mainland Australia.
- Size and Appearance: Adults are 2-4 inches long, with big eyes, soft fur, and a prehensile tail – think a mix between a mouse and a tiny kangaroo.
- Habitat: They thrive in alpine regions like Mount Field, foraging for insects, nectar, and pollen at night.
- Conservation Status: Some species are listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and predators, including invasive species. Events like this spider feast remind us of the delicate balance in their ecosystem.
- Behavior: Nocturnal and agile, they can enter torpor (a hibernation-like state) to survive cold Tasmanian winters.
This incident underscores the pygmy possum’s place in the food chain – even in unexpected spots like ski lodges.
Why This Story Still Goes Viral – And Similar Wildlife Encounters
Years after the photos surfaced, this huntsman-possum showdown remains a staple in wildlife memes and horror stories. With Halloween approaching in 2025, it’s the perfect reminder of nature’s spooky side. Similar sightings include a huntsman spider colony spotted in Tasmania later that year, but nothing quite as dramatic as a live possum meal.
If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania’s ski areas, keep an eye out – but remember, these creatures are more scared of you than you are of them. For more wild tales, check out related stories like tarantulas dragging opossums in rainforests.
Don’t miss out! Get the latest snow and mountain lifestyle news and entertainment delivered to your inbox.
Matt Lorelli is a dedicated ski enthusiast and prolific writer whose passion for snow sports shines through in every piece.
Related
Don’t miss out!
Get the latest snow and mountain lifestyle news and entertainment delivered to your inbox.