
During the fall, tarantulas can be spotted all throughout the trails. A member of the spider family, tarantulas have eight legs, which are much larger, thicker and hairier than most other spiders that live in the United States. Although tarantulas are sometimes seen as creepy, they are not aggressive and can easily be admired from a distance. Just don’t get too close or touch them – an aggravated tarantula’s bite, while not lethal, releases an inflammatory amount of venom. It’s best to leave these creatures in peace so they can play their important role in the ecosystem: tarantulas help keep things in balance by eating large insects and small vertebrates like lizards and mice.

See if you can spot these not-so-creepy critters on a trip to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! Join Irvine Regional Park staff after dark for a family-friendly 2-mile Night Hike on Friday, November 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hikers will explore the park’s natural areas and are welcome to bring a small flashlight in case any critters are spotted along the way!
For more information or to register for upcoming programs, visit LetsGoOutside.org. Programs are open to the public with required registration, but space is limited and early registration is recommended. Registration closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to each event.