creepy crawlers in Bend? just curious :) (Medford, Klamath Falls: house, buying, scorpions)

[UpNorth]

Hi Everyone

I'm just wondering about what types of insects, snakes, spiders, etc. can be found in Bend (and surrounding areas).

I'm wondering what families might worry about when their children are playing outside in backyards, parks, and camping trips. Up here in Alaska I worry about mosquitoes and grizzlies.

What about the harmless critters? Any fun lizards (and such) that kids have fun catching?

Thanks and have a great day!

[delta07]

Bend sits in the High Desert, so we have numerous creepy crawlies. The critters I'm most concerned about are Hobo spiders and black widows. We do have rattlesnakes along the Deschutes as well. The desert has many lizards, snakes and arthropods---just take your pick!

You don't really have to worry much about your children playing in your backyard, except the mosquitoes, we have those too.

There are plenty of little lizards and such, but I would advise your kids to just watch and leave them alone. Sure it's fun to catch critters, but we really don't need to disturb their habitat.

[Bendite]

No grizzlies here, but in remote camping, you can be around black bears and the occasional cougar. I've yet to see a hobo spider, but they are found throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Skeeters can be pests, especially close to our many lakes. We have a lot of harmless lizards and garter snakes, and of course rattlesnakes

[John Shaft]

Also look out for Californians. Sometimes in winter they conceal themselves behind thick jackets to appear like native central Oregonians, so you should be wary.

[Cornerguy1]

No mention of the famous Banana Slug?

You haven't truly experienced Oregon until you get a 4 incher mashed between your bare toes.

[UpNorth]

I wouldn't imagine banana slugs live in the bend area... I grew up in Humboldt Co. CA and have fond memories of playing with huge banana slugs I think they need the moist climate.

[delta07]

Originally Posted by UpNorth

I wouldn't imagine banana slugs live in the bend area... I grew up in Humboldt Co. CA and have fond memories of playing with huge banana slugs I think they need the moist climate.

Yup, no banana slugs here, although you will find them just a few hours away on the rainy side of the Cascades.

[drayegon]

[quote=Bendite;7591956]No grizzlies here, but in remote camping, you can be around black bears and the occasional cougar. I've yet to see a hobo spider, but they are found throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Whats a HOBO spider?? is that just a bum spider? Lots of the Black ones that can make you sick if they bite. the black widow ones but normally just down in the southern part of the state. around Medford OR now for Scorpions you will find most of them over around Lakeview and Adell OR

I will be more than happy to take those doubters out and show them at night but I dont do this for free. so it is your gas and your buying Dinner as well.

dray

Ooops I forgot there are still tepee creepers out by sprague river and Klamath Falls I used to be one.

[delta07]

[quote=drayegon;7650625]

Originally Posted by Bendite

No grizzlies here, but in remote camping, you can be around black bears and the occasional cougar. I've yet to see a hobo spider, but they are found throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Whats a HOBO spider?? is that just a bum spider? Lots of the Black ones that can make you sick if they bite. the black widow ones but normally just down in the southern part of the state. around Medford OR now for Scorpions you will find most of them over around Lakeview and Adell OR

I will be more than happy to take those doubters out and show them at night but I dont do this for free. so it is your gas and your buying Dinner as well.

dray

Ooops I forgot there are still tepee creepers out by sprague river and Klamath Falls I used to be one.

The Hobo Spider, also known as the Aggressive House Spider, is a venomous spider that causes necrotic reactions. They produce a venom that is similar to the brown recluse, but it's not the same spider.

We also have black widows and scorpions in the High Desert. A really good place to check out all the creepy crawlies in a safe environment is the High Desert Museum. You can view many of these creatures and see where you'll find them in and around Bend.

[rickers]

[quote=delta07;7664375]

Originally Posted by drayegon

The Hobo Spider, also known as the Aggressive House Spider, is a venomous spider that causes necrotic reactions. They produce a venom that is similar to the brown recluse, but it's not the same spider.

We also have black widows and scorpions in the High Desert. A really good place to check out all the creepy crawlies in a safe environment is the High Desert Museum. You can view many of these creatures and see where you'll find them in and around Bend.

Here are thumbnail pics of a Black Widow (the belly) and the other one is a female Hobo Spider. I don't believe there are any Brown Recluse in the northwest U.S.