Latest news with #matingseason
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
- Science
- The Independent
Where to watch out for tarantulas this summer
Tens of thousands of tarantulas are emerging across the Southwest United States for their annual mating season. Driven by high spring temperatures and moisture, male tarantulas undertake a perilous journey to find mates, while females typically remain in their burrows. Despite common fears, most of the 29 US tarantula species are relatively small, reaching only about 4.5 inches in diameter. Tarantula bites are rare and generally comparable to a bee sting, usually causing only mild effects in humans. Experts advise against handling wild tarantulas, suggesting observation from a distance, particularly an hour before dusk in specific viewing areas.
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.'
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- Malay Mail
It's mating season now so be careful, Perhilitan tells Batu Pahat villagers after three crocodiles caught in past week
JOHOR BARU, May 12 – Wildlife officials have reportedly warned residents of Kampung Parit Gantong in Batu Pahat to remain alert during the current crocodile mating season, after three of the reptiles were captured in the area over the past week. The Star quoted Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Aminuddin Jamin saying female crocodiles are particularly aggressive during this period as they come ashore to nest and guard their eggs. 'We believe that it is now the mating season for crocodiles. Normally, crocodiles will come up to the land near riverbanks to make their nest before laying their eggs. 'Female crocodiles are quite aggressive and protective of their eggs,' he reportedly said. He also urged the public not to provoke the animals and to exercise caution, especially near riverbanks, as more crocodiles may appear as the mating season continues. Aminuddin said the village's proximity to Sungai Batu Pahat, a known crocodile habitat, is a key factor in the sightings. 'The crocodile that was captured last Wednesday was found some 200m away from Sungai Batu Pahat. It was caught not far from its nest. We believe that it was protecting its eggs,' he added. 'Crocodile attacks on humans are rare in Johor but it does not mean that the people should take things lightly,' Aminuddin warned. Residents, especially fishermen, were advised to stay vigilant while working near the river. The first crocodile, weighing 400kg, was spotted last Wednesday and caught by firefighters with help from villagers; all three reptiles have since been relocated far from human settlements. Perhilitan said it is closely monitoring the area around the village and other locations along Sungai Batu Pahat. Those who spot a crocodile are encouraged to report the sighting immediately to the authorities, including Perhilitan.
CBS News
11-05-2025
- CBS News
Video shows alligator "knocking" at front door of Florida home during mating season
A Florida homeowner had an unexpected visitor Friday morning when an alligator was spotted knocking — literally — on front doors in the Tortuga community, about 145 miles southeast of Tampa. According to a Facebook post from the Lee County Sheriff's Office, deputies from the 3rd precinct were called to the neighborhood after residents reported a "suspicious" alligator on the doorstep. Bodycam and cellphone footage showed the reptile leaping up toward one front door as if trying to enter. Deputies responded quickly and, after some effort, managed to secure the roaming alligator. It was safely turned over to a licensed trapper, authorities said. In their social media post, deputies joked: "How's that for taking a BITE outta crime?" No injuries or damage were reported. Alligator mating season in Florida May marks the beginning of alligator mating season in Florida, a time when these reptiles are more active and likely to wander into residential areas looking for mates or territory, experts say. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), courtship behaviors in alligators start in early April, with actual mating occurring in May or June. During this time, male alligators become increasingly territorial and may displace smaller alligators, leading to increased sightings in unfamiliar areas, including neighborhoods. The FWC advises residents to exercise caution around bodies of water and to be aware of their surroundings, especially during dawn and dusk when alligators are most active. If you encounter an alligator that poses a threat to people, pets, or property, contact the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286).
