Watch Out Florida—Thousands of Tarantulas Are on the Move Across The State

If you're planning to travel west from Florida for hiking or camping this fall, be prepared for a one-of-a-kind nature experience. Tens of thousands of tarantulas are beginning their annual mating migration across several western states, including Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, and Florida.

While the sight of large, hairy spiders crawling across roads or wandering into campsites might make your skin crawl, experts say there's nothing to fear—just don’t touch them.

Why Tarantulas Are Suddenly Everywhere

From September through November, male tarantulas emerge from their underground burrows and begin a nighttime search for females. They’re mostly active from late evening until early morning, especially after the first seasonal rainfall. Unlike females, who stay close to their burrows, these males will travel long distances to find a mate.

Dan McCamish, a senior environmental scientist with California State Parks, urges campers and hikers to admire from a distance. “Tarantulas are gentle and ecologically valuable. They’re not interested in bothering people—they’re simply trying to find a mate,” he explained.

What to Know if You Encounter a Tarantula

Tarantulas are native to dry, arid environments, which is why they thrive in the western U.S., but Florida isn’t entirely in the clear. South Florida is home to species like the Mexican red rump. Though tarantulas are around all year, they’re mostly hidden underground except during mating season.

If one wanders into your tent or over your shoe, don’t panic. Tarantulas don’t want to harm you. Use a stick to gently nudge it away, and avoid touching it—those tiny barbed hairs on their bodies can cause skin or eye irritation.

Why You Shouldn’t Kill Them

Tarantulas play a key role in keeping ecosystems balanced. They help control insect populations and improve soil health. Their abandoned burrows also become homes for other desert animals, from lizards to small mammals. And despite their size, they have plenty of predators themselves—foxes, snakes, owls, and even a gruesome enemy known as the tarantula hawk wasp.

“No native tarantulas in the U.S. are a real danger to humans,” McCamish said. “They’ll bite if provoked, but they’re not aggressive. Leave them be and enjoy the rare opportunity to witness their fascinating behavior.”

So if you're a Floridian heading west this fall, keep your eyes open—but don't run. These giant spiders are just looking for love.

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