A Downside of Exotic Pets

Some people are fond of exotic pets and a tarantula is exotic by most standards. Exotic pets pose unique risks for their owners as the article Tarantula shoots sharp hairs into owner’s eye reveals. As recounted at the linked story, the owner of a tarantula experienced an inflammatory reaction within his eyes after his tarantula flicked some of its hairs into the air where they subsequently lodged themselves within the cornea of the pet owner's eyes. The very tiny hairs contained multiple barbs making them well suited as defensive weapons.

The problem with exotic pets like tarantulas and snakes is they do not always behave as pet-like as the more traditional dog and cat pets. They are apparently wired differently from a biological perspective and can perceive a caring owner as a threat when a cat or dog might perceive its owner differently. But if you are determined to keep a tarantula some eye protection would be advisable when at close quarters. Immediate medical help if eye irritation is experienced also goes with the territory.