ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Meet Rosie the Tarantula, one of the many "Animal Ambassadors" you can meet at Tanglewood Nature Center. 

The rose haired tarantula is native to Argentina and Chile and use the hair on their body as their main defense mechanism, formerly known as urticating hairs. Ryan Donnelly, educator, camp co-director, and reptile and amphibian curator at the center says it’s a trick of theirs in the wild.  

 “If she felt threatened, if she felt nervous right now, she could lose these hairs. They'd go kind of up into the air, and hopefully get into the mouth and eyes of any predator to kind of help slow them down so she could make her escape.” 

The South American spider faces a few predators from birds, rodents, and more. Due to the many threats rose haired tarantulas could face, they are den burrower and can be found hunting at night. Their webs span throughout the forest floor and use it as a tool to sense their surroundings.  

“So, if an animal, like a small lizard or an insect walks over them, she can sense that, pop out of her den. and grab that insect to eat.” 

Donnelly says tarantulas, that can live up to 7 or 8 years, make great pets for anyone looking to get into insects.  

“Because they have a very easy kind of demeanor like [they’re] not very active, [they’re] not running around.”  

On Oct. 21st the center will be holding a Halloween themed event called “Haunted Happening” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those interested in attending can enjoy hayrides, pumpkins, face paintings, and catch Rosie at their animal show.   

Ticket prices start at $1 and range from the size of your group. You can purchase tickets visiting the Tanglewood Nature Center website.