WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks issued a public notice about tarantulas becoming more visible in parts of the state, particularly this time of year (late summer and early fall), as adult males leave their burrows to find mates.
The state wildlife department said the increased visibility poses no significant threat, describing the large spiders as “gentle giants.”
“Despite their intimidating appearance, tarantulas are generally docile and play an important role as predators of insects and other small animals,” the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks explained.
The department offered the following guidance if you see a tarantula:
Observe from a distanceDon’t touch, capture or relocate itGive it time to cross roads or trails safely
Entomology experts advise that tarantulas are long-lived, with some females living more than 20 years. In Kansas, the large spiders are most commonly spotted in southern and western parts of the state, south of Wichita and west of Salina.
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