With Halloween just around the corner, it is quite ironic that a certain species of tarantulas are making their way across certain Colorado highways this early October. The tarantulas referenced are commonly known as the Oklahoma Brown Tarantulas, and they have started their migration in late September.
However, unlike most species migrating during this time of year, the Oklahoma Brown Tarantulas do not have a set destination, nor are they necessarily seeking a different climate than the one they are in. Rather, these spiders are travelling in hopes of finding a mate, and there really isn’t a set location where the Oklahoma Brown Tarantulas select a mate.
In fact, their migratory season fluctuates based on the weather year to year, with the cooler years tending to bring the Oklahoma Brown Tarantulas out earlier. In general, the spiders are most likely to be spotted crossing highways near La Junta and the Comanche National Grasslands anywhere between August and October. Seeing as the temperature just started dipping in Colorado, this would make sense.
When “thousands” of tarantulas are traversing Colorado highways, the average spider enthusiast can’t help but observe. Even though the Oklahoma Brown Tarantulas can easily be observed and are relatively unbothered by human interaction, the species will still bite if feeling threatened. Therefore, while close contact with the spider isn’t explicitly discouraged, observers are still reminded to respect the animal’s space.
When speaking to Molly Stang, a business administration major at Colorado State University, she had quite a lot to say on the subject.
“Even though I am not a wildlife expert, I have grown up around animals my entire life,” said Stang. “Human activities are amongst the biggest factors that can impact any animal’s migration patterns. In fact, human activities can interrupt any sort of migratory pattern, and this spider is no exception.”
When inquired about what are some safe ways of interacting with these spiders, Stang posed some suggestions.
“Use of cameras and technology can help because then humans can stay a safe distance and still capture some evidence of the Oklahoma Brown Tarantulas’ migration. However, it is also important that one doesn’t use flash photography, because that could possibly invoke a stress response from any animal,” said Stang.
With Stang’s wise advice in mind, hopefully those who aren’t afraid of spiders get a chance to get to La Junta and observe the final days of this natural, yet spooky phenomenon of the hundreds of Oklahoma Brown Tarantulas making their way eastward.
