'Tis the season...

With Halloween just around the corner, it may seem that big, hairy, spooky spiders are everywhere! But did you know that we here in the Bay area are lucky enough to play host to the real thing at this time of year? September and October mark tarantula season, and if you're in the mood to meet large, gentle friends of the eight-legged variety, there are places to do so throughout the East Bay. One of the most popular, and the easiest to take children, is on a hike at Mt. Diablo. At this time of year, the male tarantulas come out of their burrows seeking mates. They can be seen in the morning and evening, crawling over the trails and even the roads, in search of a partner. They are not dangerous to humans, but humans can be dangerous to them, so if you see one, please do not pick it up with your hands. You can carefully use a piece of paper or branch to let it crawl onto you for a short time, or just observe it in its habitat, and let it be on its way.

The season is almost over, but you may still meet a hairy friend or two on the trail. Take any road into Mt. Diablo park, and look carefully at the road, as they are often easier to see on the pavement than in the dirt and rocks. Or search "Tarantula Trek" to find other ways to spy these real-life Halloween beasties.