{"id":42349,"date":"2025-07-30T04:00:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T04:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/30\/is-your-state-on-the-list\/"},"modified":"2025-07-30T04:00:49","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T04:00:49","slug":"is-your-state-on-the-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/musicianvoice.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/30\/is-your-state-on-the-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your State on the List?"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Summer\u2019s winding down, but if you were hoping for Pumpkin Spice Lattes… think again.<\/p>\n

Tarantula mating season is upon us \u2014 and for folks in the rural Midwest and Western U.S., things are about to get real hairy.<\/p>\n

Wildlife experts say “hordes” of tarantulas will soon be roaming backroads and fields in search of a mate. Yes, you read that right: hordes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

These fuzzy wanderers have been spotted before crossing highways in droves, like cattle drives on eight legs.<\/p>\n

This fall, residents across the country could come face-to-face with the creepiest kind of traffic jam.<\/p>\n

When and Why Tarantulas Migrate<\/h3>\n

\u201cThey generally wait for the first fall seasonal rain \u2014 they really respond to the late summer warmth and the increase in moisture,\u201d Dan McCamish, a senior environmental scientist with California State Parks, told USA Today<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

So if you\u2019re out in the country and something strange crosses the road in front of you, it might not be a tumbleweed \u2014 it could be a tarantula looking for love.<\/p>\n

The spiders you\u2019re most likely to see are males (of course). While the females stay hidden in their burrows, the guys go wandering \u2014 often between late evening and early dawn \u2014 hoping to find a mate.<\/p>\n

Read More:<\/strong><\/em> Zach Bryan Reacts to HUGE Spider Crawling on Him While He Performs \u2013 Video<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re very docile,\u201d McCamish added. \u201cBut if one\u2019s walking toward you, give it some space. You might\u2019ve interrupted a mating ritual or run into a mama guarding her eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n

What States Should Brace for Tarantula Season?<\/h3>\n

Wild tarantulas are native to:<\/p>\n

Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Florida.<\/p>\n

That covers a hefty chunk of the South, Southwest, and Midwest \u2014 especially desert and rural areas.<\/p>\n

There are around 29 tarantula species in the U.S., including 10 in California alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re lucky enough, you can sometimes see them in hordes crossing the roads,\u201d McCamish said. Just don\u2019t try to pick one up \u2014 they aren\u2019t looking for a fight, but they will defend themselves if needed.<\/p>\n

What to Do If You See One<\/h3>\n

McCamish\u2019s advice? Leave them alone.<\/p>\n

If you grew up watching Home Alone, you might think Buzz\u2019s pet tarantula was kind of cute \u2014 and honestly, you\u2019re not wrong.<\/p>\n

While their size and fuzzy legs might look intimidating, these spiders are surprisingly chill unless provoked.<\/p>\n

Translation: they\u2019d much rather scurry off than square up.<\/em><\/p>\n

Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>A Meaty Dilemma: Beef Prices Are Surging + There\u2019s No End in Sight<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIf it starts coming toward you, give it space,\u201d McCamish said. \u201cMostly they\u2019re just interested in escaping \u2014 especially from something that could squish them.\u201d<\/p>\n

So maybe hold off on that midnight stroll for now. And if you spot something crossing the road that looks like a tumbleweed with legs? Best to just\u2026 let it be.<\/p>\n

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10 Country Songs Born From World Tragedy<\/h2>\n
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These 10 country songs were inspired by real-world events that had serious consequences. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n