Above is my third encounter with a “wild” tarantula in Central Texas. Many friends, even around here think these arachnids (they’re not insects technically) don’t exist outside of deserts. Nope, they also prefer tall grass to hide in, then they can ambush their prey, usually other insects. Tarantulas are often shy and/or overcautious because scorpions and birds find them delicious. You have to be careful with them. They often like to jump straight up which is a little unsettling. I’m not afraid of them yet I will wince should one spring up at me, probably to scare me away.
This tarantula was wandering the driveway of the house I cat/housesit for. It was very lucky I didn’t run it over with my car. I accidentally noticed it later due to the jumping up part I mentioned. After the movie concluded, I shoo’d it back into the grass to keep it safe. Tarantulas may be ugly and scary but they do help keep the ecosystem in check.
Other encounters? A decade ago I saw one on the same house in a window sill while leaving. It spooked Somara, she hates all spiders.
The first was my favorite. I spotted it 14 years ago trying to get across the street when I came home from work. I watched the creature walk slowly in front of my car. I protected its journey and in return, I think the tarantula gave me some good luck. Not really, I don’t believe in such things. However, sparing its life did give me a mental uplift during a very rough week.