They are big, ugly arachnids. Most people are afraid of them, but they shouldn’t be. The big spiders are docile and will only bite if provoked, and even then their mild poison will sting, but that’s about it.
Some people keep tarantulas as pets. They aren’t warm and cuddly, but they are hairy, which can provide a little tactile stimulation.
Right about now, the males of the species in the Southwest are feeling a little horny. It’s the time of year where they begin their search for a female. It’s like spring fever for us, except they do it in August and into October. It takes a while for some of these guys to find a mate. Seems hardly worth it, but that’s the way it is with tarantulas.
Scientists say the majority of the spiders are 10-year-old males.
So keep your eyes open. But not everywhere. The thousands of big, hairy spiders that are about to head out en masse are Oklahoma Browns. They’ll march into southwestern Colorado in search of females that burrow in the prairies.
Remember, these creatures may look ugly (except to each other, which makes sense), but they are not a threat to humans, and are necessary to keep nature in balance. So if you see them crossing the road ahead of you, be sure to avoid hitting them.
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Thanks, Gizzmow! And thanks for hangin’ with us for so long — we appreciate you! Take care, and stay healthy. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
I fear spiders, BUT I don’t kill them. Too bad those children had no knowledge of the spiders life and its need for them in our ecosystem.
I don’t find them ugly.
Look at the colors on the picture, just beautiful.
Saw them in action in Big Bend NP a couple Octobers ago. Thought I was in a 1950’s B movie and every day would check my RV all over to make sure I hadn’t picked up any new pets. They were just doing their job.