The tarantula is a gentle, giant spider that spends much of its life alone in the foot deep neat hole it has dug. When hunting, actually waiting, the tarantula extends silken strands from its hole so any possible prey will notify the spider of its presence. When not hunting, the tarantula closes its hole with a thin layer of silk. Though they do have a mild venom in their fangs, tarantulas bite only if roughly handled. In fact, it is fun to watch and feel a tarantula walk up your arm. These are nocturnal beasts and the ones seen are usually males searching for females.