Dozens of Spiders (Plus Some Scorpions) Were Found in a Maine Motel. Now What?
People at the motel where the animals were found say the incident was not so much disturbing as it was surprising, and they hope the creatures find a permanent home
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After dozens of tarantulas, scorpions and other insects were found in Maine motel rooms, investigators are trying to figure out what to do with them.
The State of Maine is trying to decide what to do with
dozens of spiders and a few scorpions found in a motel room.
Last Friday, the owner of the Inn Town Motel in Norway, Maine, discovered 37 tarantulas, a wolf spider and at least three scorpions when checking a room.
He reported the animals to the police, who seized them with Maine game wardens.
The creatures have since been brought to animal rehabilitator Drew Desjardins, who operates Mr. Drew and His Animals Too, an animal education and care center in Lewiston.
“They weren’t really certain what was what and they asked if I could be willing to take them in and help them out,” said Desjardins on Thursday.
He added that all of the spiders and scorpions appeared to be well cared for, though they’re low maintenance to begin with.
“They’re an ideal pet... they’re not aggressive like movies make them out to be,” he said.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Grace is a 4-year-old mixed breed. She is playful and likes being scratched.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Chester is a 1-year-old mixed breed. He is a young, energetic dog that likes to chase tennis balls.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Empress is a 6 year-old mixed cat who recently gave birth to a litter of kittens.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Spencer is a 10 year-old mixed breed. He loves to go on hikes in the woods.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Snoopy is a 4-month-old mix. He is very shy but adjusts to his environment.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Giggle is a 1 year-old mix. She is quiet but affectionate.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Dara is a 1 year-old mixed breed. She likes staying in a low-key, quiet environment.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Parker is a 1-year-old mixed breed. He is a little nervous but enjoys car rides.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Fiyah is a 2 year-old mix. He likes attention and enjoys playing.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Fred is a 3 year-old hound mix. He wants to play but can get scared by sudden movements.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Cosi is a 4-year-old chihuahua mix. He is small but has a big attitude. Cosi was found wandering the streets of Boston.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
George is a 4-month-old mix. He is a friendly kitten who is very curious.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Gretta is a 12 year-old mixed breed. She is trained, quiet and knows many commands.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Gilly is a 2 year-old mix. Gilly likes being pet and will hop into your lap.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Lucy is a 5-month-old mixed breed. She is an energetic pup who wants socialization.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Muncie is a 3-year-old mix. He is very shy because of the conditions of a past living situation and prefers a quiet home.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Hank is a 2 year-old mix. He walks unsteadily due to past conditions but he is still a friendly lap cat.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Malcolm is a 5-month-old mixed breed. He likes a quiet environment.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Onyx is a 4-month-old mix. He likes chasing string and being pet.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Mickey is a 10-year-old chihuahua mix. He likes playing with toys and cuddling on the couch.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Mountain Dew is a 4-year-old mix. He has a playful side and likes to be scratched.
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
Lychee is a 10 year-old cat who loves attention. She is recovering from an embedded collar.
Pope Memorial Humane Society
Lillian is a 3-year-old treeing walker coon hound. She came to the shelter with only one eye, but still likes to run around.
Pope Memorial Humane Society
Cassie is a 2-year-old domestic short hair. She is friendly and likes being around other cats.
Pope Memorial Humane Society
This pair of adult rabbits come as a pair. They like attention and will leap into the air when they are greeted.
By this week, he had identified the species of just about all the spiders and scorpions. He believes the vast majority of them are illegal to own in Maine without special permits from the state.
As of Thursday, the owner of the arachnids had not been charged by game wardens, though Desjardins said it’s not entirely clear if that person will get them all back.
Some may stay with Desjardins or, if asked by the state, he may have to send them to states like New Hampshire, where rules about keeping the animals are different.
Either way, people at the motel where the animals were found say the incident was not so much disturbing as it was surprising, and they hope the creatures find a permanent home.
“I hope they get the care they need, are treated well and put in a good place,” said one man, explaining that, in his view, “that’s where they need to be.”
