NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC The baboon tarantula was spotted by an eagle-eyed baggage handler

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The baboon tarantula escaped from its container in the cargo hold and was spotted by an eagle-eyed baggage handler. The flight's captain ordered the plane to be kept on the ground amid fears there were more spiders on board, causing hours of delays. While officials scoured the jet for other critters, passengers were moved to a different plane.

The flight from Baltimore to Atlanta finally took off at around 9pm local time on Wednesday – three hours later than expected. The decision was made "out of an abundance of caution", Delta spokesman Morgan Durrant said. Another spokesman for the airline confirmed officials were able to capture the spider and contact its handler. He said: "Safety and security are our top priority."

GETTY The baboon tarantula's stings cause a burning pain

Passenger Aileen Carlucci said: "My husband and I went to go be booked at another counter [at the airport]. "And when we did the ticketing agent said they had tarantulas on the plane and that was the reason nobody could get on to the plane. "I thought she was kidding, I thought it was a crazy joke. My son had told me about this movie, Snakes on a Plane." The baboon tarantula is aggressive and defensive, and its stings cause a burning pain. The species is native to east Africa and popular among collectors.