29 American States to Avoid if You Have a Fear of Scorpions

Scorpion stings are on the rise in Brazil. In fact, they have increased a whopping 155% in the last 10 years. Experts estimate the cases will only continue to increase. But what could be behind this uptick in scorpion activity? It seems rapid urbanization is to blame. As cities expand and human populations increase, urban environments push into scorpion’s natural territory. Scorpions find homes in these encroaching cities, particularly in unsanitary, poverty driven areas. Climate change is another driving factor, as temperature changes provide the ideal environment for scorpions to reproduce. In 2024, Brazil recorded close to 200,000 scorpion stings, with 133 related deaths.

Fortunately for those of us in the states, America does not have Brazil’s massive scorpion problem. However, scorpions can still be found across these 29 states.

This post was updated on July 21st, 2025 to include the rising numbers of scorpion stings in Brazil.

Washington

• Species: 2
• Areas: primarily in eastern and western Washington
• Dangerous to humans? No

North Dakota

• Species: 1
• Areas: western and central South Dakota, rocky areas like the Badlands
• Dangerous to humans? No

Idaho

• Species: 4
• Areas: southern, western, and panhandle regions
• Dangerous to humans? No

Wyoming

• Species: 1
• Areas: various regions in dry and rocky environments
• Dangerous to humans? No

Illinois

• Species: 1
• Areas: southwestern corner, particularly in Monroe and Randolph counties
• Dangerous to humans? No

Oregon

• Species: 3
• Areas: western, central, and eastern portions
• Dangerous to humans? No

Nevada

• Species: 23
• Areas: southern region and northern region
• Dangerous to humans? Yes, the Arizona Bark scorpion’s venom is considered medically significant to humans

Nebraska

• Species: 1
• Areas: south-central portion of the state, in Thayer and Franklin counties
• Dangerous to humans? No

Missouri

• Species: 1
• Areas: southern half of the state, especially in the Ozark region
• Dangerous to humans? No

Kentucky

• Species: 1
• Areas: any rocky or wooded areas around lakes or ponds
• Dangerous to humans? No

Colorado

• Species: 3
• Areas: fairly even distribution throughout the state
• Dangerous to humans? No

California

• Species: 52
• Areas: can be found in all areas of the state
• Dangerous to humans? Yes, the Arizona Bark scorpion is considered medically significant to humans

Arizona

• Species: 30
• Areas: a wide range of areas
• Dangerous to humans? Yes, the Arizona Bark scorpion poses a threat to humans

New Mexico

• Species: 25
• Areas: distributed throughout the state in deserts and rocky terrain
• Dangerous to humans? Yes, the Arizona Bark scorpion can cause serious medical issues

Virginia

• Species: 1
• Areas: far southwestern region of the state
• Dangerous to humans? No

Utah

• Species: 9
• Areas: both southern and northern areas
• Dangerous to humans? Yes, the infamous Arizona Bark scorpion has a dangerous sting

North Carolina

• Species: 3
• Areas: western portion and coastal areas in the east
• Dangerous to humans? No

Kansas

• Species: 2
• Areas: various portions of Kansas
• Dangerous to humans? No

South Carolina

• Species: 2
• Areas: western, upstate, and coastal areas
• Dangerous to humans? No

Tennessee

• Species: 2
• Areas: throughout the state
• Dangerous to humans? No

Arkansas

• Species: 1
• Areas: mostly in western Arkansas
• Dangerous to humans? No

Louisiana

• Species: 2
• Areas: western Louisiana in wooded areas
• Dangerous to humans? No

Oklahoma

• Species: between 3-5
• Areas: widely distributed
• Dangerous to humans? No

Mississippi

• Species: 4
• Areas: throughout the state
• Dangerous to humans? No

Georgia

• Species: 4
• Areas: southern region of Georgia
• Dangerous to humans? No

Alabama

• Species: 2
• Areas: various areas of the state
• Dangerous to humans? No

Texas

• Species: 18-20
• Areas: All areas of the great state of Texas
• Dangerous to humans? Yes, the state has had reports of the Arizona Bark scorpion

Florida

• Species: 4
• Areas: throughout the entirety of Florida
• Dangerous to humans? No