COARSEGOLD, Calif. (KMPH) -
Weeks ago we brought you the story of pest control companies seeing more bugs and spiders because of a mild winter and now record breaking summer heat.
Now some experts are predicting a record number of tarantulas will be out and about in our foothills and mountains in the next few months.
Coarsegold resident John Sanders says he's seeing a lot more tarantula holes on his property.
Sander says, "I think this year we're going to have a good crop of tarantulas. Fuzzy, cute little critters that we can all enjoy. Don't run over them. I see guys swerve to hit a tarantula...don't do that."
The furry spiders are important to nature's eco-system, they are not poisonous and their bite is similar to a bee sting.
They've also become a money making tourist attraction in Coarsegold.
The last weekend of October, residents hold the annual Tarantula Festival.
So why did the tarantula cross the road?
Well, no, not just to get to the other side.
This is the time of the year when male tarantulas go on a "march" seeking out females to mate.
So guys try to avoid them.
