Looking for love: Expert warns hikers about tens of thousands of tarantulas

It's mating season for tarantulas. In the coming months, tens of thousands of tarantulas will crawl out of their burrows to search for females in many US states, including California, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas. This spectacle of nature's wonders is fascinating, if somewhat creepy. Hikers should be on their guard.

“If you’re lucky, you might see them crossing the roads in droves at certain times of the year,” Dan McCamish, senior environmental scientist at California State Parks, told USA Today .

The roaming tarantulas are young males looking for love, according to the scientist. However, the expert also warns of caution: "This species is generally very tame, but if you touch it, it can bite."

A spider bite nearly cost 16-year-old Noah from Iowa his life. He suffered severe consequences after being bitten by a spider while working at a fence-building company. The bite caused a severe infection that led to kidney failure, requiring Noah to be hospitalized for weeks. "I felt something crawling on me," Noah said. As a result, he needed dialysis and surgery. Friends of his family raised over $21,000 (approximately €18,000) through a fundraiser to support his treatment.

Noah is now recovering at home after his kidneys returned to normal function. The exact species of spider that bit him is unknown. Black widows and brown recluse spiders are particularly dangerous in the US and can pose a risk to outdoor workers.

• Australian funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) : This spider is known for its potent neurotoxin and is found primarily in the Sydney, Australia, area. Its bite can be very dangerous to humans, and an antivenom is available that is very effective when applied promptly.
• Brazilian wandering spider (Phoneutria spp.) : These spiders are known for their aggressive nature and potent venom, which can have neurotoxic effects. Their bite can cause pain, respiratory problems, and, in rare cases, death.
• Black widow (Latrodectus mactans) : This spider is famous for the bright red markings on its black body. Its bite contains a venom that can cause muscle spasms and severe pain. Fatality is rare, but the symptoms can be very unpleasant.
• Brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa): This spider is known for its necrotic venom, which can cause tissue destruction. The bite can lead to a severe skin reaction and, in extreme cases, require surgical treatment.