- Tarantula Alert: Thousands of tarantulas will emerge in California, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas from August to October for mating season.
- The spiders are mostly harmless but may bite or release irritating hairs if provoked; sightings are common at night.
- Male tarantulas travel long distances in search of females, often dying shortly after mating โ sometimes eaten by their partner.
A wave of giant, hairy spiders is about to crawl across parts of the U.S., and wildlife experts are warning residents to prepare for the eerie spectacle.
Tarantulas Emerging in Five States
Starting in August and continuing through October, thousands of male tarantulas will rise from their burrows across California, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas. These softball-sized spiders are on a mission: to find a mate before their short lives come to an end.
A Late-Night March for Love
Most of the spider activity happens between dusk and dawn. Locals and travelers may spot them crawling through backyards, crossing roads in small groups, or creeping through campsites like slow-moving brown tanks. Unlike most desert creatures that hide during heatwaves, tarantulas are triggered by summer rains and cooler temperatures.
Mostly Harmless โ But Still Alarming
Although their appearance is unsettling, experts say tarantulas arenโt dangerous to humans unless provoked. They can bite and may fling irritating barbed hairs from their abdomen, which can cause itching or eye irritation. โTheyโre just out looking for love,โ said Texas-based entomologist Dr. Lauren Davidson. โLet them do their thing.โ
Hotspots in Each State
Texas, home to 14 tarantula species, is a key hotspot for sightings, especially in the southern deserts and grasslands. In Colorado, the town of La Junta welcomes tourists to witness the migration. Californiaโs Tri-Valley region and Kansasโs Red Hills also report heavy activity. In New Mexico, tarantulas will be seen along the Rio Grande Gorge and near Taos and Albuquerque.
Male tarantulas can travel up to 20 miles in their search for a female, following her pheromone trail. After mating, many die โ and some are even eaten by the female. While males live just a few years, females can survive up to 25 and lay thousands of eggs.
What to Do If You See One
Wildlife officials advise against touching or disturbing the spiders. Give them space, avoid walking barefoot outside at night, and be cautious if youโre hiking or camping. Tarantulas are part of a fragile ecosystem, and their strange, spooky march is one of natureโs most fascinating rituals โ if youโre brave enough to watch.
