Tarantula Leads to Car Accident in Death Valley, California

An accident in California's Death Valley National Park involved a tarantula, causing injuries to a Swiss tourist. The incident occurred when the Swiss couple in a rented camper van applied their brakes to avoid hitting the spider. Unfortunately, a Canadian motorcyclist behind them couldn't stop in time and collided with the van. The tarantula survived the accident and escaped unharmed into the desert. The incident took place on a remote state highway in the park's Inyo County on October 28. The motorcyclist was taken to a nearby hospital, and his condition remains unknown. Authorities have urged visitors to drive cautiously in the area, especially on steep hills, due to gravel patches and wildlife. Although tarantulas can grow up to 11 inches in leg span, they are not harmful to humans, as their bites are similar to bee stings. Tarantulas are known for their non-aggressive behavior and are popular as pets. In the fall, male tarantulas venture out of their underground burrows in search of mates.