TARANTULA!

This afternoon Annie, Bronco and I took a quick hike in the foothills around Salt Lake. As we were walking, we saw something ahead in the trail. We being Annie and I, Bronco had somehow found a tennis ball and was oblivious. ANYWAYS, coming down the center of the trail was a Tarantula! I've had never seen one in the wild and how fitting is it that I see one to kick off the Halloween week. I used this topic to post on my work blog, so in case you are interested in learning some environmental info that is also suitable for kids, here are some cool facts about Tarantulas from kidszone....

• Tarantulas are part of the family of spiders called Hairy Mygalomorphs.
  
• These are the spiders that, scientists believe, have been around for millions of years and have not changed much in that time!
  
• There are around 700 kinds, or species, of Tarantulas.
• Tarantulas are nighttime hunters who will pounce on their prey. They eat insects, beetles and grasshoppers.
• Many Tarantulas live in burrows underground. They will either use their fangs to dig them or else take someone else’s burrow-home.
• All Tarantulas have an interesting way of defending themselves. They have hairs on their abdomen (stomachs) that have sharp little barbs, or pokey things, on them. When threatened, the spider will rub these hairs with their legs and shoot them at their predator.
• Not only are they caught as pets; in some countries they are eaten, as well. They are said to have a nutty taste kind of like peanut butter!

In addition to the Tarantula, the hike was great. Bronco is currently passed out on his bed (he's 9 yrs old now...), and Annie and I had a nice time. The view up there is amazing as well, when it isn't hazy. Here are some more pics.