Stowaways are on the rise in Britain, an expert warns

At least 200 creepy crawlies and some creepy crawlies have accidentally arrived in the UK in packages or luggage this year, according to an expert who rescues them.

Chris Newman, from the National Center for Reptile Welfare (NCRW), told the BBC there appeared to be a “worrying” rise in cases, with three venomous scorpions apparently having been shipped from China in the last month.

“We had 200 stowaways this year. Twelve were scorpions and three of them were in the last month – the same species of scorpion from China,” he said.

This is what a student at the University of Bristol found out a live scorpion as she opened a package of clothes from fast fashion company Sheinwhile a couple from Basingstoke told the BBC they were shocked to find a scorpion in a package ordered from Amazon last month.

Mr Newman said the apparent increase in cases reported to the charity was worrying.

“Given the scale, I'm sure there are millions of packages coming in from China, but the fact that there were three in the last month is concerning,” he said.

However, he said it was important to see it in context, adding: “Overall, it is a rare event.”

Mr Newman described Chinese scorpion species seen in Bristol. Olivierus martensii, as “medically important” and “very toxic”.

They could be “life-threatening,” especially for those more at risk, he said, but “the average adult would just have a really bad day.”

Claire and Joe Branscombe purchased a treadmill from a third-party seller on Amazon with a warehouse address in China.

“Our cat was very interested in a package that was delivered to us, we haven't had a chance to open it yet,” Ms Branscombe said.

“It was scratching at the corners so we looked closer and to our horror a live scorpion crawled out of the box.

“We screamed, 'What is that?'

“We were completely shocked.”

They said scientists who contacted them after the find identified it as one Olivierus martensii Scorpio.

“It's funny, you wouldn't bat an eyelid if you came across one in a hot climate, but in our living room in Hampshire we thought it was an alien,” Ms Branscombe added.

Fearing there might be more scorpions inside, the couple moved the treadmill into the garden because they “didn't know what else would be there.”

The next morning, Mr Branscombe – armed with bug spray, gloves and other gardening tools – checked the vehicle and found no other stowaways.

The couple said they complained to both the company and Amazon.

The company told them this had never happened before and said it was looking into video surveillance, while Amazon apologized to them for the situation and offered a partial refund on behalf of the seller.

An Amazon spokeswoman apologized and said: “Thankfully this is an incredibly rare case and we have apologized, refunded the customer and are investigating with the third party seller.”

Mr Newman said the three Scorpions he knew of were from different companies.

“So it's not the same company, but it seems to be a problem coming from China,” he said.

He said 12 scorpions had been reported to NCRW coming to the UK this year, with “most coming back in people's luggage”.

“A lady was traveling to Mexico and accidentally brought one in her shoe. It was also a very dangerous scorpion,” he said.

“It’s quite surprising what actually comes back. In total, 127 different animal species came back as stowaways.”

The center has seen everything from a European tree frog in a home furnishings store to a poisonous spider in a box of Australian wine.

If someone finds a reptile or other exotic creature in their package or luggage, Newman says, “the most important thing is to try not to touch it with your hand.”

Instead, he advises people to get a jar or Tupperware to store it. Then call her.

“Earlier this week we had a hermit crab that came back from Malta in a shell,” he said.

“We get lizards, scorpions, snakes, toads, frogs. All kinds of things come in.”

“Very often people released them, which was the worst thing you could do. Technically, it is illegal to release a non-native species in this country.”

Speaking about the scorpion found in Bristol, Mr Newman said: “They are not particularly aggressive but they will defend themselves if they feel threatened.”

“And the poor little buggers just got in with a package from China so he's been pushed around so if I'm honest he's probably not in the best of moods.”

“We are seeing more scorpions from all over the world this year.

“If you find something in a package. Try to secure it, but assume it could be harmful. Call us and we will advise you what to do from there and we will come to pick it up.” “

The centre's emergency service operates 24 hours a day, all year round and has 100 drop-off points across the UK. If it is a dangerous species, a collection service is offered as an alternative.

Once the animal is established, it will find a new home.

“Some will stay with us for educational purposes, but for most we will find new homes,” Mr Newman said.

“The rare or endangered species would go to zoos and institutions, others would go to private owners.”

The service has seen a rise in the last month, but this may be due to more people becoming aware of it after signposting it on their website.

Mr Newman said he still believes “very few people are finding us”, adding: “I suspect we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg.”

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is a criminal offense to release into the wild any creature that does not normally live in the UK. The UK Center for Ecology and Hydrology can be contacted if people find a creature they suspect is not native.