It’s that time of year again when creepy crawlies invade the streets and can be seen in huge groups! No, we’re not talking about Halloween (though that is right around the corner) but rather the annual tarantula migration where thousands of giant spiders cross the highway in search of their perfect mate. If seeing this natural phenomenon is on your bucket list, you will want to make plans to visit this small Colorado town that is invaded by tarantulas every year:
Welcome to La Junta, Colorado: Home to historic sites, Otero Junior College, and……thousands of tarantulas in search of their soulmate!Beginning in late August, thousands of male tarantulas start their trek across Highway 109, where they use their sense of touch and vibration to locate females in nearby burrows.The annual migration takes place from August through October but the best time to view – according to Visit La Junta is September 10th.Can’t make it on September 10th? It is suggested you visit any evening in mid-September, especially if the weather is warm and there is little to no wind present.Do you want to make an entire weekend out of your viewing? La Junta is the perfect place to do so, as it boasts such important pieces of Colorado history as Bent’s Old Fort, Picketwire Canyon (pictured), and several museums.In addition to the historical aspect, La Junta is also home to a vast array of delicious restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores!
Are you ready to get an even better look at the migration? Check out this mesmerizing video from USA TODAY:
Are you brave enough to watch the tarantula migration?
