Thousands Of Tarantulas Expected To Crawl Through Colorado Looking For Mates

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Colorado wildlife officials say thousands of tarantulas are expected to start their annual migration through the state soon. The Gazette reported Wednesday that the migration is expected to begin this month through early October.

Officials say the Oklahoma brown tarantulas migrate through La Junta, about 176 miles southeast of Denver.

Scientists say the majority of the spiders are 10-year-old males looking to mate with females hidden in Colorado's grasslands.

Officials say the peak time to view the migration is mid-September near Comanche National Grassland south of La Junta off U.S. Highway 109.

Officials say tarantulas are mostly harmless to humans, but have bites that can cause injury or allergic reaction and hairs that can be irritating to the eyes, mouth and nose.

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