(SEE VIDEO)   The first thing I want to say about tarantulas is that there are many many different kinds of tarantulas…. Only a few of them are docile enough to hold.  Even the ones that are docile enough to hold still can bite.  Your pet tarantula may never do so but it is not an impossibility.  I personally do not handle them.  My choices are mostly for the safety of the tarantula.  The may look big and hardy but they are actually very delicate and I’ve been doing this long enough to see many “experts” have accidents.  I’m not saying that you cannot do this as we have all probably seen someone handle them.  I am only saying there are good reasons for not doing so. Though no tarantula to date can be considered deadly, several species can inflict bites which will result in local effects of varying severity including reddening of the affected area, pain, swelling, joint pains and cramps. Fortunately, these symptoms often disappear after periods ranging from a few hours to a few days.

Tarantulas also have another defense – the hair on their bodies.  When disturbed many tarantulas will flick hairs off their abdomens into the air.  These hairs are barbed and very stiff and will embed themselves into your skin eyes and throat which will cause an itchy rash or coughing.  I don’t want to discourage anyone from purchasing a tarantula as a pet.  They are great and it can be an awesome learning experience.  I just want all who read this to take these facts into account when considering a new pet.  Do your home work and find out all you can about the animal who’s care you are responsible for.  There are many great inexpensive books on tarantula care at your local pet store worth checking out

I have  been told of a bite by a Goliath Birdeater  with painful local effects (including swelling of the affected limb) severe enough that the victim was not about to repeat the experience. Caution is also generally recommended with tarantulas of the genera Lasiodora and Pamphobeteus.

FOR INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC TARANTULAS PLEASE VISIT http://www.petbugs.com/caresheets/tarantulas.html