Photo: MARK RALSTON / AFP / Getty Images
If you're hiking in Griffith Park or other natural areas in Southern California this summer and fall, be cautious of tarantulas on the move. These large arachnids, including the Steindachner’s ebony tarantula, are emerging from their burrows in search of mates. According to Tyler Young, an educator at the L.A. County Natural History Museum, many people are unaware that tarantulas inhabit the region, often associating them with more remote or foreign locales.
The tarantula migration, which typically begins in early August, is part of their mating season and will continue through the fall. Mature male tarantulas leave their burrows to find mates and, unfortunately, die within a month or so. Rick Vetter, a retired research associate at the UC Riverside Entomology Department, advises leaving the tarantulas alone and appreciating their role in the ecosystem. "Tarantulas are like the sequoias," Vetter said. "They take decades to mature sometimes, and people should respect that."
These tarantulas are generally docile and pose little threat to humans. If you encounter one, it's best to give it space and allow it to continue its journey. Vetter also warns that tarantulas may accidentally fall into backyard pools. If this happens, they can survive by shutting down their breathing apparatus until they are removed from the water.
As these fascinating creatures embark on their seasonal march, they serve as a reminder of the diverse wildlife that inhabits Southern California's natural landscapes.