Tarantula security guards

In the mid-1970s, there was a fad among jewelry stores to use tarantulas as security guards. Stores claimed it helped prevent thefts, although tarantulas aren't going to do much to stop a thief, besides looking scary. Rattlesnakes, I imagine, might work better.

La Crosse Tribune - July 19, 1975

Who We Are
Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over forty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. Contact Us

Posted By: Alex - Fri May 08, 2020
Category: Crime | Insects and Spiders | 1970s

Comments

The fear of dogs more common than the fear of spiders or snakes. I mean every junkyard is guarded by spiders & snakes but the smart owner puts a dog in there too.

Posted by John Church on 05/08/20 at 10:28 AM

As the picture caption points out, a dog won't fit in the window. In my locale shops don't leave jewelry in the when they're closed. Saves on Purina Tarantula Chow.

Posted by ges on 05/08/20 at 10:39 AM

There is a species of tarantula that lives in the Sierra Nevada foothills and into the Central Valley of California. As kids we would catch them as pets - at least until our mothers forced us to return them to the wild. That species was not aggressive when handled gently, but their hairs could be irritating against your skin.

Posted by KDP on 05/08/20 at 11:44 AM

If you live in Florida, you could just get a gator from the local golf course. This one would be good:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXn1g0xtUMk

Posted by Virtual in Carnate on 05/08/20 at 03:56 PM

Virtual, I don't think that one will fit in the window. A rattlesnake would be better.

Posted by ges on 05/10/20 at 12:01 AM

Commenting is not available in this channel entry.