Tarantula Migration Expected to Crawl Through Colorado

[JCY]

This headline in today's newspaper caught my attention. Hmmm. I didn't know we had tarantulas in Colorado.

"Colorado wildlife officials say thousands of tarantulas are expected to start their annual migration through the state soon. It's expected to begin this month through early October. Oklahoma brown tarantulas migrate through
La Junta about 176 miles southeast of Denver. The majority of the spiders are 10-year-old males looking to mate with females hidden in Colorado's grasslands. Officials say the peak time to view the migration is mid-September near Comanche National Grassland south of La Junta. Tarantulas are mostly harmless to humans, but have bites that can cause injury or an allergic reaction and hair that can be irritating to the eyes, mouth, and nose."

Well, that sparked my interest, so I turned to Wikipedia. Just a few facts. Tarantulas are hairy spiders, an arthropod. They range in size from fingernail to dinner plate size, with legs fully extended. Ave. is 1-4". The largest is the Goliath Birdeater, 12" in diameter, found in Venezuela & Brazil.

There are >1,000 species of tarantulas. They are found in the U.S., Mexico, Central & S. America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and in Europe -- Spain, Portugal, Turkey, S. Italy, & Cyprus. They eat large insects. The largest ones eat lizards, mice, bats, birds, and small snakes. Some cultures, such as in Venezuela & Cambodia, consider them a delicacy to eat. (Yuck!)

My gr. dau. lives in Dallas, TX area. They found a tarantula living in a hole in their back yard. She doesn't let her 2 pre-school boys play out there.

For more info. read the Wikipedia site.

[Caroline T.]

If I lived in Colorado, I'd be planning a long vacation out of state about now! Hate spiders, especially big hairy ones!

[LauraP]

Tarantulas are basically harmless to humans. When frightened they will rear up on their back legs and wave their front legs to make themselves bigger. Your granddaughter might consider using the tarantula as a science learning tool. Studying them is quite fun. Better a tarantula than a rattlesnake which they also have around Dallas.

[Deeceer]

A number of years ago hubby & I took a driving trip to 4 corners, CO.. We live in No. Colorado. Anyway, on our way to the “site” of the 4 states coming together, we encountered a tarantula crossing the dirt road. We had this sports car at the time and I swore the spider was as big as the car........ I did NOT get out to lay on the plaque to show the 4 states coming together. Have not encountered another up here in No. Colorado!!

[auntstuff]

I used to keep a Mexican Redleg Tarantula as a pet. Very interesting and docile creatures, as long as you don't hurt them.

[nativetexan]

OH i lived north of Denver for over two decades and never knew this. thank goodness. long ago near Houston, TX i walked at night through a very over grown front yard to someone's house. then was told to watch out for Tarantula's. Yikes!

[Heather]

I used to see tarantulas in early fall when I lived in the foothills east of the bay area. I thought they were sweet, walking along our dirt road looking for love.

[SuzanneOrleansOntario]

Yikes. I don't like spiders and snakes, but I would freak out if I saw a tarantula. Thank God Joy that you didn't list them inCanada. There are the occasional ones that come up in crates of bananas and grapes, but usually harmless.

[KPH]

Why did I choose to read this before bed?

[ktdid]

I used to keep a Mexican Redleg Tarantula as a pet. Very interesting and docile creatures, as long as you don't hurt them.

That just gave me the heebe zeebies my skin is crawling, thanks auntstuff!!