Watch your step: Tarantula season is underway at Grand Canyon National Park
Tarantula season is underway at Grand Canyon National Park, where the impressive eight-legged residents emerge in September and October. Learn why the males wander, how large these spiders can grow and why visitors should admire them from a safe distance.
THE TAKEAWAY
GRAND CANYON –As fall brings cooler temperatures to Grand Canyon National Park, it also sends one of the canyon’s most feared eight-legged residents out for a stroll: the tarantula.
September and October mark tarantula season at the popular national park, when these spooky yet impressive spiders can be spotted crossing the landscape.
The Grand Canyon black tarantula can grow up to 4 inches from leg tip to leg tip and is covered in thick, dark hair, with reddish-orange coloring on its abdomen.
These eight-legged residents can be found throughout Grand Canyon National Park, either strolling across roads or tucked inside underground burrows.
During the fall, male tarantulas emerge from their burrows and wander across the national park in search of a mate, according to the National Park Service.
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While tarantulas may be out and about, visitors don’t need to fear a surprise attack.
These impressive arachnids are generally not dangerous, though their bite can be painful — often compared to a wasp sting.
Tarantulas typically bite only when they feel seriously threatened, so the best approach is to admire them from a distance and let them go about their business.
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Grand Canyon black tarantulas are not aggressive by nature and would rather retreat than confront a human.
While these spiders are large, they can be easily harmed if dropped or stepped on.
The National Park Service recommends admiring these incredible arachnids from a safe distance.
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After all, they’re probably more afraid of you than you are of them.
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