Tarantula Blamed for a Motorcycle Crash in Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park officials say a tarantula crossing a road in the park may have caused a vehicle crash between tourists.

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According to a press release, visitors from Switzerland in a camper van slammed on their brakes to avoid running over a tarantula. A Canadian man on a motorcycle then crashed into the back of the van.

An ambulance transported the motorcycle rider to the Desert View Hospital.

Park officials say the incident happened on CA-190 near Towne Pass. They say the crash is a reminder to drive slowly through national parks.

“Please drive slowly, especially going down steep hills in the park,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds in their press release. “Our roads still have gravel patches due to flood damage, and wildlife of all sizes are out.”

Tarantulas spend most of their lives living underground. However, in the fall, the spiders will travel for mating. Male spiders will die after mating and sometimes are killed by the mating female. On the other side, female spiders can live for 25 years. 

Source: https://outdoors.com/tarantula-blamed-for-a-motorcycle-crash-in-death-valley-national-park/