Be On The Lookout For These Creepy Creatures In Southern Utah Before They Disappear Until Next Year
By Courtnie Erickson|Published October 18, 2023
×
Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Here in Utah, it isn’t uncommon to see creatures that give you the chills (Mormon Cricket swarms for example!). But located in southern Utah is one creepy-crawly that can certainly freak you out — especially if you have a fear of spiders. At the end of summer and during the fall each year, you may just spot one of Southern Utah’s tarantulas as they search for mates and before they disappear until the following year.
If you are like me, I like to stay far away from large spiders, and coming across a tarantula would give me a heart attack. But until the cold weather arrives in southern Utah, it isn't uncommon to see tarantulas scurrying across the desert floor.
Tarantulas can have a leg span of up to 11 inches and weigh several ounces. They are nocturnal predators and while they mainly prey on insects, they can also target larger creatures like toads and mice.
Tarantulas are burrowers, meaning they live in the ground. This is why it isn’t that common to see them. But during the late summer and fall, male tarantulas begin exploring in search of a mate, making their sightings much more common.
In fact, male tarantulas can travel several miles in search of a mate and if food sources are scarce, the migration of these creatures can be quite large.
If you wish to increase your chance of spotting a tarantula as it migrates, sunset and throughout the night are best. These creatures typically avoid areas with lots of noise and movement.
The southern Utah desert is typically the most north you will spot these creatures, but they have been spotted elsewhere in Utah.
If you do come across a tarantula in a southern Utah desert, do not fret, they typically will not attack as they are on a mission. These creatures are also not venomous but they can fling small hairs that can irritate human skin or cause allergic reactions to defend themselves.
Additionally, if they are spotted in your yard, do not kill them. They are great at keeping pests away. And be grateful to see such a sight — you may not see another tarantula in Utah until next year when the search for mates begins all over again.
Have you seen tarantulas in southern Utah this year? Are you afraid of these creatures and the thought of them gives you the chills (like it does for me!)? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
If you are looking for someplace unique in the southern Utah desert to explore, check out Pioneer Park in St. George. This 52-acre park features hiking trails, rock climbing, and all types of wildlife. And, if you wish to stay in southern Utah for a few days, book a stay in a local hotel or a charming vacation rental.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
