FULL LIST: US states where tarantulas will swarm as mating season approaches

If you’re planning a hike or camping trip in the coming weeks, especially across parts of the American West and Southwest, be prepared to cross paths with thousands of unexpected visitors – tarantulas.

Every fall, beginning in late summer, young male tarantulas emerge from their burrows and begin their search for mates. 

This natural event turns into a startling but fascinating spectacle in several US states, where the hairy, baseball-sized arachnids can often be spotted crossing roads and creeping through campsites.

Where to Expect Tarantula Sightings

Tarantulas prefer dry, arid environments. Here’s a full list of U.S. states where they are commonly found:

Arizona

California

Colorado

Kansas

Nevada

New Mexico

Oklahoma

Oregon

Texas

Utah

Washington

Missouri (Texas brown tarantula)

South Florida (Mexican red rump species)

There are 29 identified tarantula species in the US, with Texas alone hosting 14 of them. Common varieties include the desert blonde tarantula and the Texas brown.

When and Why They’re Out

While tarantulas live underground year-round, they typically remain hidden during most of the year. That changes in the fall, particularly from September through November, when males leave their burrows to find females.

“They generally wait for the first fall rain,” explained Dan McCamish, senior environmental scientist with California State Parks. 

“They respond to the late summer warmth and increased moisture.”

These male spiders are most active from late evening until early morning, and their goal is simple: to reproduce. After mating, most males die from exhaustion—or are eaten by their mates.

Are They Dangerous?

Despite their frightening appearance, tarantulas pose no serious threat to humans.

“They’re docile and don’t want to be picked up or handled,” McCamish said. Though they can bite when provoked, their venom isn’t deadly. The bigger danger comes from their barbed abdominal hairs, which they can flick off like darts. These hairs can cause irritation, especially if they get into your eyes or on your skin.

What to Do If You See One

If a tarantula wanders into your tent or campsite, don’t panic. Just find a stick and gently tap or “boop” the spider’s abdomen to encourage it to move along. If it’s been in contact with your belongings, McCamish advises wiping down the surface or using tape to remove any loose hairs.

Why You Shouldn’t Kill Them

Tarantulas serve an important ecological role. They’re natural pest controllers, helping regulate insect populations. Their burrows also help aerate the soil and, once abandoned, offer shelter for other animals.

“They’re an ecological stabilizer,” McCamish said. “If tarantulas are thriving, it’s a good sign the ecosystem is healthy.”

Predators and Threats

Even these large spiders have predators: foxes, coyotes, owls, snakes, and skunks. But perhaps their most gruesome foe is the tarantula hawk wasp, which paralyzes them, lays eggs inside their bodies, and uses them as live food for its young.

Though they typically crawl, tarantulas are capable of jumping up to two feet and climbing bushes and trees, making them formidable hunters despite their slow pace.

So, if you’re venturing into tarantula territory this fall, keep your eyes open, give them space, and appreciate the rare glimpse into one of nature’s most dramatic seasonal rituals.

(Yahoo News)

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