Southwest Invaded: What’s Driving the Sudden Surge of Giant Tarantulas?

Every year, just when you think you’ve figured out how to avoid awkward run-ins with neighbors or dodge your in-laws at Walmart, nature throws a curveball—this time with eight, very hairy legs . Yep, apparently thousands (not dozens, not hundreds… thousands) of love-lorn male tarantulas are about to pour out across the southern and midwestern states, hellbent on finding a mate . Imagine your next jog interrupted by a determined, possibly jazzed-up spider swiping right on every single thing that moves . The experts want us to “give them space,” but if we’re being truly honest, isn’t that always the advice for desperate singles at 1 a.m. at a bar? Is it me, or do tarantulas have more romantic prospects than most people on Bumble anyway? If you’ve ever wondered how the wild kingdom handles the singles’ scene, buckle up—this is one mating season you won’t want to miss . LEARN MORE

Thousands of male tarantulas are expected to emerge across several south and midwestern states in search of mates, with experts recommending giving them space if encountered. What do you think?

“Don’t bother, the tarantulas here are all really stuck up.”

Humberto Cintora, Fluency Tester

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“And how many of them are actually looking to settle down?”

Bryan Walper, Truffle Salter

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“Get in line, bozos.”

Poppy Hillman, Curb Painter