You might want to double-check your boots this fall—especially if you're spending time outdoors in certain areas.

A seasonal migration is quietly building across several parts of the country, and it’s not your usual wildlife event.

While some nature lovers are thrilled by the spectacle, others might find the experience downright bone-chilling.

Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, experts say you may not be as alone as you think.



Thousands of tarantulas are set to emerge for the annual mating season. In the coming months, tens of thousands of tarantulas will begin emerging from their burrows across dry regions of the Southwest and West.

This seasonal event involves young males leaving their nests in search of a mate—a natural behavior that results in sudden and surprising spider sightings.

According to Dan McCamish, a Senior Environmental Scientist with California State Parks, “If you’re lucky enough you can sometimes see them in hordes crossing the roads at certain times of the year.”


The phenomenon may be creepy, but it's harmless. The spiders may look intimidating with their large, hairy bodies, but most are simply looking for love—not trouble.

“In general the species is very docile, but if you were to handle one they could bite you,” McCamish said. His advice for outdoor explorers? Leave them alone.

Where they show up—and when to expect them​

Tarantulas are mostly found in dry, arid regions, including California, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Kansas.

Additional populations live in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Washington, and even South Florida.

There are 29 known species in the US, including common ones like the desert blonde and Texas brown tarantula.

In Arizona, there’s even a striking red-abdomen species that tends to draw attention during mating season.



Also read: An invasive insect is making its way through 19 US states—is your hometown in danger?

The spiders usually stay hidden during the day and only come out during certain windows in fall—mostly in September, October, and November.

They’re most active from dusk to early dawn, especially following seasonal rain.

“If you come upon a tarantula out in the wild and it’s wandering about, it’s likely a male,” McCamish said. Females typically remain near their burrows, waiting for males to approach.

Why we don’t see them the rest of the year​

For most of the year, both male and female tarantulas stay in their burrows. They live underground, weaving sensitive webs around their shelters to detect and catch prey.

“They’re ambush hunters,” McCamish explained. When an insect walks across their web, the tarantula will quickly strike with its fangs.

Springtime means more activity, but mostly at night, which is why human encounters remain rare until mating season.

Male tarantulas have a short and harsh life. Females can live up to 25 years and tend to stay near home, hunting and growing. Males, on the other hand, generally only live up to five years.


Once they’re mature enough to mate, they emerge in fall to find a female—but many don’t survive the journey. “The harsh reality is that generally after the male breeds, it passes away,” McCamish said.

In some cases, the female even eats her mate afterward, depending on how well-fed she is. If the male doesn’t mate, it may attempt to return to its burrow, though it rarely survives beyond one mating season.

Why you shouldn’t kill them—even if they scare you​

Tarantulas are not just harmless—they’re helpful. They control insect populations, improve soil health, and their abandoned burrows provide shelter for other desert animals.

“In truth, they’re gentle, ecologically valuable animals,” McCamish emphasized. In fact, he said the presence of tarantulas often indicates a healthy habitat.

“If there are tarantulas living somewhere, you can generally assume the habitat is functioning.”

Despite their size, many predators hunt them. Tarantulas are preyed upon by foxes, coyotes, snakes, owls, and skunks. But one of their most terrifying predators is the tarantula hawk wasp.

This large wasp—with bright orange wings—paralyzes tarantulas and lays eggs inside their body. Once hatched, the larvae feed on the still-living spider.

“Their sting has been compared to ... the second or third worst sting of any insect in the world,” McCamish said.


No serious threat to humans—just keep your distance. “No native tarantulas in the United States pose a serious threat to humans,” McCamish said.

They typically only bite if provoked or handled, and even then, reactions are mild unless someone has a severe allergy.

Tarantulas do have barbed hairs they can flick with their back legs as a defense mechanism. These hairs can irritate the skin or eyes if touched.

“If it starts coming towards you, give it some space. It might be defending its eggs, or you might have interrupted a mating ritual between a male and female,” McCamish added.



Also read: You won’t believe what sharing cute animal pics can do for you, according to a new study

How to safely ask one to leave your tent​

If a tarantula wanders into your campsite or tent, don’t panic. Use a stick to gently tap the base of its abdomen—what McCamish called a “light boop”—to encourage it to move along.

If it brushes against bedding or clothing, you may want to dab the area with duct tape to remove any lingering hairs.

Yes, they can jump and climb trees. Tarantulas are ground-dwellers, but that doesn’t mean they stay on the ground.

“They’re ambush predators, after all,” McCamish said. They can jump as much as two feet and can even climb trees or bushes.

So if you're outdoors this season, keep an eye on your surroundings—and maybe your tent zipper, too.

Read next: This once-wiped-out virus is making a dangerous comeback—and health officials say the risk is real
Have you ever spotted one of these creatures on the trail or at your campsite? Did you know how important they are to the ecosystem? Share your tarantula tales in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!