15 Missouri Areas Where You're Most Likely to Find Tarantulas

This was a challenging topic for me to tackle considering that I have extreme levels of arachnophobia. I don't mean just a regular fear of spiders, but a "get out the blow torch anytime I see anything with 8 legs" kind of trepidation. I will be a trooper, though, and share with you 15 places in Missouri you are most likely to see a tarantula as I shudder in the corner of the room.

I was born and raised in Missouri yet I have never ever seen a tarantula except for one at the St. Louis Zoo. Even then men in uniforms had to carry me away yelling and screaming as I kind of freaked out. Texas brown tarantulas are common in Missouri according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. Here are 15 locations where you're most likely to encounter one of these ~~hairy beasts~~ harmless but large spiders:

Mark Twain National Forest

Especially dry, rocky glades and open woodlands.
Southern portions of the forest provide ideal habitat.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Rocky hillsides and oak-pine forests can support tarantulas.
Sightings are uncommon but documented.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

The park's limestone glades and dry forests are among Missouri's better tarantula habitats.

Peck Ranch Conservation Area

Located in the Ozarks, this area has the warm, dry habitat tarantulas prefer.

Current River Hills

The rugged terrain and rocky slopes create favorable conditions.

When it comes to counties in Missouri that tarantulas call home, here are the 10 counties with the most reports:

Shannon County
Carter County
Oregon County
Reynolds County
Texas County
Dent County
Camden County
Stone County
Taney County
Ozark County

What time of year are you most likely to see a tarantula in Missouri?

Tarantulas generally avoid people which is great news for fearmongers like myself. The bad news is the fact that starting in August, the male tarantulas become much more active as they're out hoping to make a love connection. That's why you'll sometimes see them crossing roads in southern Missouri from August through early November before the weather gets really cold. That means these relatively harmless although fearful to see 8-legged freaks should be seen any day now in Missouri if not already. You have been warned.