MISSOURI – With the transition from summer to fall right around the corner, it’s a prime time for tarantulas to become more active in Missouri.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the state is home to only one native tarantula species: The “Texas Brown” Tarantula.

While these creatures typically stick to remote, desert-like areas away from people, there’s certainly a chance you might encounter one unexpectedly. MDC says it’s not uncommon for Missourians in southern parts of the state to see Texas Brown Tarantulas crossing roads during “late summer and fall.” The Missouri River is usually the cutoff for their movement.

These eight-legged tarantulas are around 1.5 to 2 inches in sizes, with females slightly larger than males. They appear to have a stocky and hairy appearance, and their colors from dark chocolate brown to a bright brownish-red.

While they may look intimidating, these tarantulas are actually quite shy and prefer to avoid close contact with humans, according to MDC.

If you happen to see a wild Texas Brown Tarantula in Missouri, experts say you should stay calm, observe from a distance, avoid direct contact and leave it unharmed in its habitat.