Can a Scorpion Sting Be Deadly to a Human?

How scared are you of scorpions? Should you even be terrified of them to begin with? Scorpions are some of the most commonly found critters in the world. As some of the oldest living creatures, scorpions are known for their pinching claws and curvy tails. Their tails are where their stingers are. It’s easy to understand why there are so many of them, since those claws and stingers provide amazing protection in the animal kingdom. Inside their stingers contains some of the most powerful venom around. While many people try to avoid coming in contact with scorpions because of their venom, do you know what will actually happen to you if you get stung? Can scorpion venom kill you, or is it more of an inconvenient doctors trip?

Can Scorpion Venom Kill You?

According to Orkin, there is only one type of scorpion that can kill you. That’s right! There are over 1,000 different types of scorpions, but only one has the “magic” touch to end a person’s life. In the southwestern part of the United States, there’s a type of scorpion called the Arizona bark scorpion. This animal can reach lengths of around 3 inches by adulthood. But don’t let the small size fool you. Packed inside that stinger is enough venom to take a full-grown human out. It isn’t likely that you’ll die, since only two people have been fatally stung. More often than not, it’s an incredibly painful experience coupled with short dysfunction, tingling, numbness, and occasional vomiting. These symptoms can last for up to three days. After getting stung, what are the next steps?

What Should You Do If You’re Ever Stung By An Arizona Bark Scorpion?

If you ever find yourself in this less than ideal situation, there’s an anti-venom medication that you can take to help the affects. If you’re in the wild and not near any hospitals, you’re going to want to try and clean off the area first. You’ll then want to keep the area as cool as possible before finally taking any medications that will help ease the pain. Even though you won’t likely die from an attack, there are still thousands of attacks per year. It’s important to stay vigilant and aware while hiking in the southwestern part of the United States for this reason. The Arizona Poison Center also suggests giving them a call if you have really bad symptoms – or if a child has been stung. Their phone number is 1-800-222-1222.

Which Animals Do Arizona Bark Scorpions Usually Hunt and Eat?

Being some of the most powerful scorpions on the planet should translate to some tasty meals for such strong critters. These scorpions use their venom to attack a multitude of different animals as prey. Smaller insects, spiders, and even other types of scorpions are some of the foods found on the menu for an Arizona bark scorpion. Ironically enough, grasshopper mice are one of the few animals that isn’t on their menu. This is because their venom has such a little effect on these mice.

Where Can You Find Arizona Bark Scorpions?

Since the Arizona bark scorpion is nocturnal, it makes their hunting process a lot easier. They only go out at night as a way to stay cool, especially in the incredibly hot summers that take place in the southwestern portion of the United States. This scorpion stays under rocks and trees during the daytime as another method of staying cool. You’ll typically find them in places with a little more moisture than most in Arizona. This is both to have access to their own water and so they’ll have a wider selection of animals to hunt.

Which Animals Eat Arizona Bark Scorpions?

Being some of the most venomous creatures on the planet doesn’t make scorpions exempt from being targeted by other animals. While having this venom is a great defense mechanism, the Arizona bark scorpion is still hunted. Bats, birds, snakes, and even other scorpions make the Arizona bark scorpion part of their diet. This is due to their smaller size in comparison to most animals in the kingdom.

Arizona bark scorpions are some of the most fascinating animals out there. Even though they’re smaller than most, they have the most powerful venom in the scorpion family. In order to make sure you stay safe while hiking around the southern part of the United States, make sure to always stay aware.

Try to look before you go under a tree to cool down, and keep an eye out for natural water sources. If you ever are stung, stay calm and immediately clean the area. Take anti-venom medications to keep the swelling down. If you’re ever unsure, give the Arizona Poison Control Center a call or head to a hospital for further assistance.

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