Thousands of tarantulas expected to appear in these five states during mating season

Male tarantulas are gearing up to look for a mate, leading to a surge of spider sightings in the Southwestern U.S. over the next few months

Male tarantulas are gearing up to look for a mate, leading to a surge of spider sightings in the Southwestern U.S. over the next few months.

Across states like California, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas, tens of thousands of tarantulas are on the hunt for their perfect match, and some people are seeing the eight-legged critters in droves.

During an interview on TODAY that aired July 30, Ron Magill, communications director of Zoo Miami, explained why people in those states are set to see more tarantulas.

“At this time of year, when it’s time to look for the females, they risk their lives,” Magill said. “They leave their burrows. They go out searching until they can find those females.”

Male tarantulas can travel as many as 20 miles in their pursuit of a romantic rendezvous — which often ends in the ultimate sacrifice, experts said.