Tarantula out for a stroll

This male Tarantula wasn't too happy when we crossed paths out in arid central California this weekend.

Despite their size and general appearance these spiders aren't generally considered that dangerous although their large and powerful fangs can deliver a painful bite to anyone who mishandles them too much (or if you are allergic)

This fellow demonstrated his "leave me alone" aggressive posture before heading off to the relatively safe scrub off of the road.