Picture the scene: you and your partner have just arrived at a romantic getaway and are about to enjoy a couple of stress-free days just the two of you.
You think nothing can burst your loved-up bubble and are feeling pretty smug in the knowledge you’ve got the entire weekend to just enjoy each other’s company.
That is, until a ginormous spider who isn’t taking anyone’s sh*t takes it upon itself to devour an entire possum in front of you both.
Said spider doesn’t care that you’ve set this weekend aside for a peaceful, tranquil weekend and plan to do nothing except eat, drink, and be merry.
In fact, the spider is quite content just living its best life and enjoying a feast while the two of you look on in horrified silence.
That’s exactly what happened to one husband and wife over the weekend upon checking into a lodge in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania, giving them the fright of their lives.
Justine Latton and her husband, from Southern Tasmania, were at a lodge in the national park on Saturday (June 15) when they saw the inexplicable scene.
Justine posted a picture of the spider eating the pygmy possum to the Tasmanian Insects and Spiders Facebook group over the weekend.
She wrote:
Possum-eating spider! Taken by my husband at a Mt Field lodge.
Little pygmy possums, which were once believed to be confined to Tasmania, are the smallest of all possums; their bodies grow to just 5-6.5cm and they weigh a mere seven grams, as per Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
In other words, they’re pretty easy prey for huge huntsman spiders, such as the one in the picture.
Justine’s post quickly went viral after it got posted to the group, being shared more than 5K times with most people expressing their shock at the picture.
You can’t really blame them. I mean, look at it:
While one person referred to the predator as ‘one strong spidey,’ another expressed their sympathy for the pygmy possum, writing: ‘Awww. Everyone’s gotta eat, but man!’
Another said they ‘can’t even,’ adding that they wanted to ‘scream’ just looking at the photo. One person disagreed, writing: ‘OMG what a once in a life time photo opportunity’.
My favourite comment though? ‘Holy shit. Nope.’ Which, I think we can all agree, represents exactly how most of us are feeling right now.
Remind me never to go to Tasmania.
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A Broadcast Journalism Masters graduate who went on to achieve an NCTJ level 3 Diploma in Journalism, Lucy has done stints at ITV, BBC Inside Out and Key 103. While working as a journalist for UNILAD, Lucy has reported on breaking news stories while also writing features about mental health, cervical screening awareness, and Little Mix (who she is unapologetically obsessed with).