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The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
The tarantula invasion has begun – here's where you'll need to watch your step
Tens of thousands of tarantulas are starting to make their way above ground, in search of fuzzy love. But while that sounds like an arachnophobe's worst nightmare, scientists say it's not as scary as you might think. The annual mating season for the world's largest spiders is already under way in the Southwest, as high spring temperatures and moisture drive the hungry creatures out of their underground burrows. Texas is in full-flung mating season, the Austin American-Statesman reports, with tarantulas popping up in South Texas grasslands and deserts. 'It's kind of shocking to people that may have never experienced it because most have not seen a tarantula before — even if they have lived in that area most of their life (they're pretty secretive),' University of Idaho Associate Professor Dr. Chris Hamilton told The Independent. Starting in October and through November, California, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico can also expect an influx of eight-legged friends. In Colorado, where tarantulas are a major attraction, the municipality of La Junta tells people to try to see them an hour before dusk during mid-September to October around the Comanche National Grassland. Sometimes people catch them trekking across roads and highways. 'We've counted as many as 50 [tarantulas] in an hour and a half. That's pretty substantial,' Lyn Neve, a National Forest Service employee, told Denver 7 last year. But while you might see a so-called 'clutter' of tarantulas in these states, particularly near grasslands, it won't come close to the Fifties cult film 'Tarantula.' which saw a house-sized arachnid terrorize an Arizona town. Of the 29 tarantula species in the U.S., most only reach around 4.5 inches in diameter. And those who appear above ground are normally males as female tarantulas are 'basically homebodies,' says the National Park Service. Males may live as many as 10 years, but females can live for up to a quarter of a century. For the males, the journey to find a mate is no picnic. While they typically only travel about a mile to a female's burrow in that time many are eaten by snakes, owls or foxes, or run over by cars. Others will die of exhaustion or the inability to shed their skin. 'It makes me feel bad for the little dudes,' Cristi Painter, a wildlife biologist with the National Forest Service, also told Denver 7. 'You know, he just wants a girlfriend and hopefully one that doesn't eat him. And if she doesn't, he's going to die anyway.' If you do want to see the spiders, the best time to see them in summer is in the middle of the night. But, just don't get too close: Tarantulas are not known to bite, but it doesn't mean that they can't. Their bite is comparable to a bee sting which usually only has a mild effect on humans, although some people may have a more severe allergic reaction. 'They can be grumpy when handled roughly, but if they bite, it's typically from being provoked,' Wizzie Brown, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomology specialist, explained in a statement. 'So, look at them and appreciate them because they are beneficial. But people shouldn't handle tarantulas in the wild.'
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
The tarantula invasion has begun! Here's where you'll need to watch your step
Tens of thousands of tarantulas are starting to make their way above ground, in search of fuzzy love. But while that sounds like an arachnophobe's worst nightmare, scientists say it's not as scary as you might think. The annual mating season for the world's largest spiders is already under way in the Southwest, as high spring temperatures and moisture drive the hungry creatures out of their underground burrows. Texas is in full-flung mating season, the Austin American-Statesman reports, with tarantulas popping up in South Texas grasslands and deserts. 'It's kind of shocking to people that may have never experienced it because most have not seen a tarantula before — even if they have lived in that area most of their life (they're pretty secretive),' University of Idaho Associate Professor Dr. Chris Hamilton told The Independent. Starting in October and through November, California, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico can also expect an influx of eight-legged friends. In Colorado, where tarantulas are a major attraction, the municipality of La Junta tells people to try to see them an hour before dusk during mid-September to October around the Comanche National Grassland. Sometimes people catch them trekking across roads and highways. 'We've counted as many as 50 [tarantulas] in an hour and a half. That's pretty substantial,' Lyn Neve, a National Forest Service employee, told Denver 7 last year. But while you might see a so-called 'clutter' of tarantulas in these states, particularly near grasslands, it won't come close to the Fifties cult film 'Tarantula.' which saw a house-sized arachnid terrorize an Arizona town. Of the 29 tarantula species in the U.S., most only reach around 4.5 inches in diameter. And those who appear above ground are normally males as female tarantulas are 'basically homebodies,' says the National Park Service. Males may live as many as 10 years, but females can live for up to a quarter of a century. For the males, the journey to find a mate is no picnic. While they typically only travel about a mile to a female's burrow in that time many are eaten by snakes, owls or foxes, or run over by cars. Others will die of exhaustion or the inability to shed their skin. 'It makes me feel bad for the little dudes,' Cristi Painter, a wildlife biologist with the National Forest Service, also told Denver 7. 'You know, he just wants a girlfriend and hopefully one that doesn't eat him. And if she doesn't, he's going to die anyway.' If you do want to see the spiders, the best time to see them in summer is in the middle of the night. But, just don't get too close: Tarantulas are not known to bite, but it doesn't mean that they can't. Their bite is comparable to a bee sting which usually only has a mild effect on humans, although some people may have a more severe allergic reaction. 'They can be grumpy when handled roughly, but if they bite, it's typically from being provoked,' Wizzie Brown, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomology specialist, explained in a statement. 'So, look at them and appreciate them because they are beneficial. But people shouldn't handle tarantulas in the wild.'
USA Today
18-06-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Evacuations ordered in New Mexico as wildfires scorch over 80,000 acres
Evacuations ordered in New Mexico as wildfires scorch over 80,000 acres Two wildfires – the Trout Fire and the Buck Fire – are raging in southwest New Mexico and have closed part of a national forest. Show Caption Hide Caption What causes wildfires? Here's how they can start Wildfires can be devastating to communities and habitats. Here's how wildfires often start. Two wildfires fueled by extreme drought and dry heat have burned over 80,000 acres in New Mexico, prompting evacuation orders and closing part of a national forest. The Trout Fire, which began on June 12, has burned 14,706 acres and was 0% contained as of late June 17. The fire's cause is still unknown, but weather conditions helped it quickly grow and cross a state highway, according to the National Forest Service. It's burning in Gila National Forest, about 15 miles away from Silver City in the southwest part of the state with a population of nearly 10,000. Another fire, dubbed the Buck Fire, was started on June 11 by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm and has spread in Catron County. It has burned 57,736 acres and was 15% contained as of late June 17, according to New Mexico Fire Information. "The team is working diligently to limit fire growth while minimizing impacts to grazing areas by keeping the fire footprint as small as possible. With fuels advisories in effect and limited resources available in the event of an emergency, firefighter and public safety remains our highest priority," Incident Commander Lino Baca said of the Buck Fire.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Higher fees planned in popular AZ forest. Here are the new prices and how to comment
Adventures in Arizona's Coconino National Forest could get more expensive soon. The National Forest Service has proposed recreation fee increases at sites throughout Coconino National Forest, including higher prices for daily, weekly and seasonal passes at picnic areas, day use areas and trailheads. The plan also creates new fees at some boating sites and cabins that are currently free, the Forest Service said on Monday, May 12. If the proposed increases take effect, the daily and weekly fees will double and the seasonal fees will triple at most sites that charge fees. The new fees must be approved by the Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Committee, and the Forest Service is accepting public comments through Sept. 5. If approved, it would mark the latest example of outdoor recreation in Arizona getting pricier. Arizona State Parks & Trails raised entry fees in February, while the National Park Service increased campground fees at Grand Canyon National Park in April. Here's what to know about the proposed fee increases at Coconino National Forest. Coconino National Forest spans more than 1.8 million acres in central and northern Arizona and encompasses Sedona and Flagstaff, two cities that are top draws for outdoor travelers. Some sites require a pass, but most of Coconino National Forest − about 67%, by the Forest Service's estimate − is free to visit. In Sedona, visitors must display a Red Rock Pass or federal recreation pass like the America the Beautiful Pass to park at popular trailheads and picnic areas in Oak Creek Canyon, along Boynton Pass Road and State Route 179 and in other locations. A Red Rock Pass costs $5 for a day, $15 for a week or $20 for a year. Forest Service spokesperson Randi Shaffer told The Arizona Republic that the proposed fee increase does not affect the cost of Red Rock Passes. The Forest Service is proposing the following fee increases: Boating sites: C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake are currently free to use. If the proposal is approved, fees of $10 per day, $30 per week and $60 per season would take effect at both locations. Fees at the Narrows and Upper Lake Mary would increase to $30 per week and $60 per season, up from the current $15 per week and $20 per season; the daily fee at both areas would remain $10. Picnic sites: Fees per vehicle at the Banjo Bill, Bootlegger, Dry Creek Vista, Encinoso and Halfway picnic areas would increase to $10 per day, $30 per week and $60 per season, up from the current $5 per day, $15 per week and $20 per season. Midgley Bridge Observation Site: The per-vehicle fee would increase to $10 per day, $30 per week and $60 per season, up from the current $5 per day, $15 per week and $20 per season. Day use areas and trailheads: It currently costs $6 for a day-use pass within the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River corridor during the high season of April 1-Oct. 1. If the proposal passes, the fee would be $25 per vehicle per day plus a $6 reservation fee. The areas that would introduce this fee include the Fossil Creek Bridge, Homestead, Mazatzal, Purple Mountain, Sally May and Tonto Bench day use areas, plus the Dixon Lewis and Irving-Flume Trailheads. Per-vehicle fees for the Baldwin, Bear/Doe Mountain, Bell, Bell Rock Vista, Boynton Canyon, Bruce Brockett, Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Vista, Fay Canyon, Huckaby, Jim Thompson, Little Horse, Mescal and Yavapai Vista trailheads would increase to $10 per day, $30 per week and $60 per season, up from the current $5 per day, $15 per week and $20 per season. Interpretive and heritage sites: Per vehicle fees at the Honanki Ruin and Lava River Cave interpretive sites, Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site and Palatki interpretive visitor center would increase to $10 per day, $30 per week and $60 per season, up from the current $5 per day, $15 per week and $20 per season. Cabins and lookouts: Buck Mountain Lookout and Mormon Lake Guard Station are currently free to use. Under the proposal, a fee of $75 per night for up to four people at Buck Mountain and $100 per night for up to eight people at Mormon Lake would take effect. The fee at Crescent Moon Ranch Cabin would be $235 for a group of up to 10 people, up from the current $200. These sites are available on with an additional $8 reservation fee. Yes. The America the Beautiful Pass covers sites that charge fees at Coconino National Forest, as well as other federally managed lands that charge admission or day-use fees. The interagency pass, which costs $80 per year, waives entry fees at public recreation lands managed by several federal agencies, including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and others. Get the Arizona news you need. Sign up for AZ Briefing from azcentral. There are five ways people can submit comments on the proposed fee increases in Coconino National Forest: Mail to Coconino National Forest, Attention: Brian Poturalski, 1824 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Email to comments-southwestern-coconino@ Online comment at Comment in person to Brian Poturalski from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Coconino National Forest office in Flagstaff. Comment by phone at 928-527-3474; indicate you wish to comment on the proposed recreation fee changes. The deadline to submit comments is Sept. 5, 2025. Save on hotels: Best summer 2025 staycation deals in Phoenix. Some are just for AZ residents Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who's covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic's consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Coconino National Forest fee increases: What you could pay
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
You Can Help Plastic Pollution in U.S. National Parks With This App—What to Know
The 5 Gyres Institute is starting its annual initiative to track amounts of trash in National Parks. Any visitor to national parks can help by recording data about the trash they see in any U.S. park or federal land through October. The crowdsourced data is used to make scientific recommendations for reducing waste. On April 22, we'll all celebrate Earth Day. There's no better way to honor this beautiful planet than by doing our part to keep it clean. And the 5 Gyres Institute is kicking off its fourth annual Plastic-Free Parks TrashBlitz project to do just that. The community science initiative's mission is to track pollution trends in the U.S. National Parks and on federal lands. Of course, it doesn't just leave it there. It also enlists the help of volunteers to collect trash at "any land managed by the federal government, including the National Park Service, National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Fish and Wildlife Service," and log their findings in the TrashBlitz app. This data, the organization noted in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure, contributes to its annual report that uncovers the top items, materials, and brands found, which also outlines science-based recommendations to reduce waste. 'For three years, TrashBlitz has served as a valuable tool in tracking waste trends across national parks. From this data, we know that single-use plastic is the worst offender, and we're seeing the same brands commonly identified in waste audits all over the world,' Nick Kemble, a program associate at 5 Gyres, shared. 'Systemic changes, like implementing reuse and refill systems and shifting to better alternatives, can have a real, immediate impact on reducing waste in national parks.' Like Kemble said, plastic has made up the majority of trash logged on the app for the past three years by an overwhelming degree. According to the group, it made up 75 percent of all waste recorded. The most common single-use plastic items included food wrappers, bottles, bottle caps/rings, cigarette butts, wipes, and fragments. As for which brands are most commonly found, that list includes Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Gatorade, Marlboro, and Camel. All this information is then used to help push more environmentally friendly legislation, including the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act, which seeks to "eliminate the sale and distribution of disposable plastic products." And this work is all the more important with the drastic cuts to national park funding. 'The TrashBlitz data from previous years underscores the urgent need to address plastic pollution in our national parks. Now is not the time to cut essential resources and personnel responsible for waste management, education, and park maintenance,' Alison Waliszewski, the director of regional policy and program development, added. 'We can all step up to help our parks during this time, and we're calling on the public to take action by collecting data that can push forward solutions.'Volunteers can take part and collect data now through October 31, 2025. See more about how to sign up at Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
