Tarantula Migration in NM
Nov 9th, 2009, 01:02 PM
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Tarantula Migration in NM
As you might imagine, this is something I DON'T want to see when we visit NM.
We're debating whether to visit northern NM in spring or fall for scenery and hiking. Today I read in a Moon Book that spring is the time of the Albuquerque tarantula migration. However, most topics on a Google search seemed to say fall is a more likely time for tarantulas to be out looking for mates.
Any thoughts on the LEAST likely time of year (other than winter) to run across them?
We're debating whether to visit northern NM in spring or fall for scenery and hiking. Today I read in a Moon Book that spring is the time of the Albuquerque tarantula migration. However, most topics on a Google search seemed to say fall is a more likely time for tarantulas to be out looking for mates.
Any thoughts on the LEAST likely time of year (other than winter) to run across them?
Nov 9th, 2009, 03:19 PM
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I guess I must be lucky, I have lived in NM since 2001 and have never seen a tarantula.
If you want to see NM at it's best, fall it the time -for scenery, hiking and best weather. Spring is very windy, can still snow and the wind sends lots of dust flying.
Deb
If you want to see NM at it's best, fall it the time -for scenery, hiking and best weather. Spring is very windy, can still snow and the wind sends lots of dust flying.
Deb
Nov 9th, 2009, 03:43 PM
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Oh, come on, Deb, haven't you seen the vast flocks of hairy little eight-legged beasties being herded down Central by the spiderboys?
Yippee ki yi yo, get along, little Shelobs
It's your misfortune and none of my own
Yippee ki yi yo, get along, little Shelobs
They say that Sedona will be your new home
Seriously, Clousie, I've lived here since 1991 and I don't remember ever seeing a tarantula in town or in the wild.
As Deb said, fall is fabulous here. It's my favorite season. You might enjoy the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in the first week of October.
Lee Ann
Yippee ki yi yo, get along, little Shelobs
It's your misfortune and none of my own
Yippee ki yi yo, get along, little Shelobs
They say that Sedona will be your new home
Seriously, Clousie, I've lived here since 1991 and I don't remember ever seeing a tarantula in town or in the wild.
As Deb said, fall is fabulous here. It's my favorite season. You might enjoy the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in the first week of October.
Lee Ann
Nov 9th, 2009, 06:49 PM
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I actually have seen tarantulas in NM! I thought it was pretty cool.
But it was out on Kirtland AFB - WAY out at the far end. And I think I just saw a few - it wasn't like the area was covered with them, anyway.
Don't remember when it was (other than that it was not winter - LOL).
But it was out on Kirtland AFB - WAY out at the far end. And I think I just saw a few - it wasn't like the area was covered with them, anyway.
Don't remember when it was (other than that it was not winter - LOL).
Nov 10th, 2009, 04:19 AM
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Thank you all for allaying my fears, and for your wonderful, humorous comments. I am panicked at the thought of seeing even one, much less a "migration.!" Sure glad to know I won't need to bring my lasso, Lee Ann, since it sounds as though the spiderboys have it all under control.
Just starting to plan this trip (waiting for all the travel brochures from the state/towns) but am sure I'll be back with lots of questions
Just starting to plan this trip (waiting for all the travel brochures from the state/towns) but am sure I'll be back with lots of questions
Nov 10th, 2009, 06:03 AM
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LOL... never seen them in the Southwest, but have in Central America... it's not like they attack people. In fact, I've picked them up in my shoes and carried them outside a couple of times. I'd be more worried about Brown Recluses and Black Widows in NM than I would be about Tarantulas.
Nov 10th, 2009, 11:38 AM
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Oh, good, I hoped you wouldn't be offended! 
Be sure to take some time to look through the New Mexico folder. You'll find tons of helpful suggestions for activities, restaurants, and lodging.
Lee Ann
Be sure to take some time to look through the New Mexico folder. You'll find tons of helpful suggestions for activities, restaurants, and lodging.
Lee Ann
Nov 10th, 2009, 12:05 PM
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For the curious, here's a link to the Moon Books website with the tarantula information:
http://www.moon.com/destinations/san...-and-arachnids
Lee Ann
http://www.moon.com/destinations/san...-and-arachnids
Lee Ann
Nov 10th, 2009, 01:42 PM
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I've been to N.M. many, many times to visit relatives who live south of Albuquerque. I've only seen one tarantula, and that was while driving through some very bleak deserted desert on the way back from Carlsbad Caverns. We saw it crossing the road as we drove by -- I think it was migrating. (Why else would a tarantula cross the road?)
