Venomous spiders may soon descend on the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, scientists warned Monday.
"This kind of spider was in the Rostov region earlier, along the shores of the Taganrogsky Gulf and in the delta of the Don and the Myortvy Donets valley, but now we are witnessing its intensive penetration into populated areas," Veronika Belotserkovskaya, a spokeswoman for the Southern Scientific Center, was cited by RIA Novosti as saying Monday.
Scientists expect the spiders to cross city limits as early as next year, according to the report. Currently, they are trying to determine the cause for the arachnids' migration.
The spiders' bite produces a protein venom that affects the nervous system. It can be lethal, but the severity generally depends on the age and physical condition of the person bitten.
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