Tarantulas may seem like an intriguing choice for a pet, but before you rush to adopt one, it’s important to consider the realities. Despite their exotic allure, these eight-legged creatures aren’t the cuddly companions many people expect. Let’s explore six key reasons why a tarantula might not be the best pet choice for most people.
1. Handling Can Cause Injuries
Tarantulas are not built for handling. While they may look docile, their instinct is to flee rather than fight. If threatened, they can bite, leading to painful wounds, and some species even release urticating hairs as a defense, causing skin irritation or respiratory distress. Additionally, their delicate exoskeletons are easily damaged during mishandling, potentially harming the tarantula. For both the pet’s and owner’s safety, it’s best to admire these fascinating creatures from a distance rather than trying to handle them.
2. Escape Artists
Tarantulas are surprisingly skilled escape artists, making them challenging pets to contain. They are strong for their size and can push open loose lids or squeeze through tiny gaps. Some species are excellent climbers, increasing the risk of escape if their enclosure isn’t secure. An escaped tarantula can be difficult to find due to its ability to hide in small, dark spaces. This can cause stress for both the owner and the tarantula, as exposure to unfamiliar environments can be dangerous for the spider’s health.
3. Live-Feeding Can Be Challenging
Tarantulas are carnivorous predators that require live prey, such as crickets, roaches, or small insects, to survive. Live feeding can be uncomfortable for many pet owners, especially those uneasy about handling bugs. Additionally, uneaten prey can pose a threat to the tarantula, potentially biting or stressing it. Ensuring a steady supply of live food can also be costly and inconvenient. This aspect of tarantula care makes them less suitable for people seeking low-maintenance pets or those with a fear of insects.
4. Shy and Reclusive Behavior
Tarantulas are inherently solitary creatures, preferring to stay hidden in burrows or secluded areas. They are most active at night when they hunt, avoiding interaction even with their kind. In captivity, they exhibit the same reserved behavior, often retreating into hides for long periods. Unlike typical pets, tarantulas do not enjoy being handled and can become stressed if disturbed. Their introverted nature makes them ideal for observation but unsuitable for owners looking for interactive companionship.
5. No Human Association or Owner Recognition
Tarantulas lack the emotional intelligence found in common pets like dogs or cats. They are solitary, instinct-driven creatures that don’t recognize or bond with their owners. To them, humans are simply large, unfamiliar presences. Tarantulas respond to stimuli based on survival instincts, not affection. They neither seek interaction nor show signs of recognizing individual caretakers. This lack of emotional connection makes them unsuitable for people looking for a pet that offers companionship or social engagement.
6. Source of Allergies
Tarantulas can trigger allergic reactions, particularly in children, due to their urticating hair and body particles. These microscopic hairs, which the spiders shed for defense, can cause itching, redness, or even respiratory issues when inhaled. Children with sensitive immune systems are especially vulnerable to such allergens. Exposure to these hairs or even the tarantula’s presence in the home can lead to severe allergic reactions, making them an unsuitable pet for households with allergy-prone individuals.
Love Pets as Much as We Do?
Scroll up and click the ‘Follow’ button to stay updated with the latest heartwarming, hilarious, and helpful pet posts from Pawdown, delivered straight to your Microsoft Start feed and MSN homepage!
