Thousands of tarantulas have started their march around Colorado

It's official! Colorado's tarantula cluster is on the move as thousands of this hairy spider species having started their search for a mate around the Centennial State.

According to an article published by Colorado State University, the tarantula 'migration' typically starts in southeastern Colorado at the end of August, lasting through September. The peak of this first wave is happening right now, with a number of OutThere Colorado readers already taking to Facebook to show posts from their tarantula tracking experience.

This first wave is followed by a southwestern migration that typically peaks in October. Following the mating season, all males typically die within months if the cold weather doesn't kill them first.

While this natural phenomenon is often called a "migration" the spiders aren't actually migrating from one region to another. They're just looking for some love. According to a report from the Durango Herald, a male tarantula can wander about a half-mile a day searching for a female mate.

According to The Denver Channel, one of the best places to see these tarantulas is at Comanche National Grassland near La Junta, Colorado. This is located in southeast Colorado, so expect a mid-September peak.

Two more great spots to see this natural phenomenon include just north of Ordway on Highway 71 and between La Junta and Kim on Highway 109, according to the  La Junta Tribune-Democrat.

While you shouldn't attempt to touch or grab wild tarantulas you might spot during this time of the year, tarantulas are pretty harmless and rarely bite humans. However, when bites do occur, they're very painful and contain venom. Read about treating a tarantula bite here.

Watch a video from USA Today about the migration below: