While some of us don’t want these long summer days to end, others can’t wait for the cooler days of fall, specifically male tarantulas. That’s because fall is when they get called to duty – to crawl out of their burrows and travel long distances, sometimes up to 20 miles, in search of a female mate. Between August and November in California, mature male tarantulas, often 5-10 years old, are driven by the scent of pheromones released by the females to go forth and multiply. 

During this time in California’s more arid state parks, you may come across male tarantulas crossing roads and hiking trails, or even crawling into your campsite, especially at night when they are most active. 

Some of the most common state parks to spot tarantulas include:

• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

• Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA)

• Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

• Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch SVRA

• Fremont Peak State Park

• Leo Carrillo State Park

• Malibu Creek State Park

• Mount Diablo State Park

• Ocotillo Wells SVRA

• Red Rock Canyon State Park

The timing for their nightly crawl sessions can vary depending on the location and weather. In the Mojave Desert, mating season doesn’t typically begin until September or after the first cool autumn rains.  Tarantulas prefer dry climates and primarily live in Western and Southwestern states, but can also be found in other states, including Oklahoma, Missouri and Florida.

What happens when they mate?Female tarantulas live much longer, 20-25 years or more, and remain in or near their burrows, waiting for a male to arrive. These female spiders weave a web around their hole and will generally stay near their home for their entire lives. Male tarantulas, the ones you’re most likely to encounter, can travel for 2-3 months before finding a mate. After mating, the male often attempts a quick getaway – and for good reason. Females will often eat the males unless they have eaten before mating or have an ample food supply. The females will spin a silken egg sac and lay up to 200 eggs inside (depending on the species), guarding them for weeks or months, even refusing to feed or leave their burrow. The spiderlings hatch in two stages, usually in mid-winter to early spring. Common misconceptions: While tarantulas may be portrayed as scary and aggressive in movies, in real life, they’re shy, slow-moving creatures that are reluctant to bite. They do not pursue humans and are more interested in escaping. If severely provoked, their bites will result in mild symptoms, such as minor pain, swelling or itching – less than a bee sting, for most individuals. Disclaimer: While most U.S. native tarantulas are harmless, some tarantulas native to Africa and Asia can have more potent venom that can cause cramps, nausea or extended pain.

Why you shouldn’t bother a tarantula:Tarantulas, like all spiders, play an important role in nature and help regulate biodiversity, acting as insect control. Their burrows help aerate the soil and provide refuge to other creatures including lizards, insects and other small mammals. If you spot one, observe and don’t disturb. Avoid picking them up or poking at burrows. Photograph them from a respectful distance and don’t use flash photography. While they have eyes, they don’t see very well and rely on motion sensors on their hairs and feet, and light and shadow to track movement. Avoid using a flashlight directly on them.If you happen to be lucky enough to spot a tarantula in the wild, you can submit your observations to iNaturalist where data helps researchers track tarantula populations. 

In the meantime, the next time you’re having a bad day, just think, it could be worse. You could be a male tarantula after mating, hoping you don’t get eaten alive! 

Check out video of a tarantula crawling up State Parks Director Quintero’s leg at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area: