We had just finished eating our Thanksgiving feast when this fine-looking fellow caused quite the stir strolling down the front walkway of my mother-in-law's suburban home at dusk. While most everyone was impressed by the size and tarantula-like appearance of the spider, I was mostly shocked by its presence in what seemed like very inappropriate habitat. But, like much of Southern California, this area of housing development was built in close proximity to existing wildlife areas, thus creating these interesting pockets for native species to continue their existence. Add to the equation that we had had some rain in the preceding days and I'm sure this wandering male (likely in search of a female) is not really such an anomaly after all. The spider seemed to be struggling somewhat in navigating the environment as we watched its repeated attempts to climb vertical surfaces, the last of which ended with the spider falling quite a distance and landing on its back, unable to right itself. Knowing that there was a thriving population of trapdoor spiders at our home in the foothills, I decided to take him home with me and after a warm night spent indoors, I released him back into the wild. Happily, he seemed quite healthy, actively exploring his new environment and none-the-worse for wear.

Although the spider was found in Orange County, the photo above was taken in Los Angeles County, moments after his release in Webb Canyon, CA.