LiveCam at
Zion National Park . Utah
LiveCam at Bandon . Oregon
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Oct
13
Tarantulas – Big & Hairy, but not so Scary
Tarantulas are the largest spiders in the southwest, and one of Zion’s most misunderstood inhabitants. Despite their portrayal in horror movies as deadly, poisonous, and aggressive, tarantulas are actually docile and interesting creatures. Although tarantulas are capable of biting a person if harassed, bites are very rare and their venom is considered non-toxic to humans. And like most wildlife, they won’t bother you if you don’t bother them.
Tarantulas are rarely seen in Zion—they are nocturnal and spend most of their time in underground burrows–but sightings are most common on park roads in late summer and fall, when the males are out cruising for females.
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