Airport workers in Peru got quite a surprise after discovering more than 3,000 tarantulas hidden inside socks packed in travelers’ luggage.
Authorities say the spiders, ranging from eggs to fully grown adults, were found in the bags of two German passengers and one Polish passenger at Jorge Chávez International Airport after an anonymous tip. Officials believe the tarantulas were being smuggled to Germany for collectors, where exotic spiders can fetch high prices because of their size and unique appearance. The three travelers were detained and could face environmental crime charges. The discovery highlights the growing global trade in exotic animals and efforts by customs officials to crack down on wildlife smuggling. (NY Post)