just for the record, we also had a pet tarantula. they are quite beautiful and very shy! they want more than anything to get away from you. we could pick ours up and he'd sit in our hands. they can only bite if the curve is right, so most parts of the body are safe. if you ever see one, stamp your feet hard (yeah, as you run away) and they will take off in the opposite direction. i don't like the small spiders that can get into your clothes or hair. really, i don't like being surprised by any creature!