Are There Scorpions in New Hampshire?
No, scorpions are not found in New Hampshire. Scorpions require warm, dry climates and cannot survive New Hampshire's cold winters. The nearest scorpions to New Hampshire live in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and southern California.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Western Forest Scorpion · Seth CC BY
Black Hairy Scorpion · Public domain CC0
Southern Devil Scorpion · Alan Rockefeller CC BY
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- GBIF records
Scorpions aren't established in New Hampshire, so you might be wondering:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
Only 0 verified observations on iNaturalist of scorpion have been logged in New Hampshire, which fits how rare they are in the state. That low number is itself the most honest answer to whether you are likely to see one here.
No, scorpions are not found in New Hampshire. Scorpions require warm, dry climates and cannot survive New Hampshire's cold winters. The nearest scorpions to New Hampshire live in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and southern California.
Are Scorpions in New Hampshire?
No, scorpions do not live in New Hampshire. The state's cold winters, short summers, and humid climate are completely unsuitable for scorpions. Scorpions are desert and warm-climate animals that require consistently warm temperatures to survive. New Hampshire's freezing winters would be lethal to any scorpion species. There are no established scorpion populations anywhere in New Hampshire. The closest scorpions to New Hampshire live over 2,000 miles away in the southwestern United States. Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and southern California have the densest scorpion populations in America. Some southern states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida have scorpions, but they are far warmer than New Hampshire. If you are worried about encountering a scorpion in New Hampshire, you can put that concern to rest completely. To learn about the wildlife that actually does live in New Hampshire, explore ourNew Hampshire wildlife guidefor information on native species.
Why Scorpions Cannot Survive in New Hampshire
Scorpions are ectothermic creatures, meaning they cannot generate their own body heat and depend on environmental warmth to survive and function. They evolved in hot deserts and warm climates where they can remain active year-round or survive dormant periods. New Hampshire experiences freezing temperatures from November through March. These conditions are deadly to scorpions. Most scorpion species cannot tolerate temperatures below freezing for extended periods. Even the most cold-hardy scorpion species found in the United States cannot handle New Hampshire's winter severity. Additionally, scorpions need dry environments to thrive. New Hampshire's humid summers and wet climate are not suitable for scorpion physiology. The state's soil moisture, frequent rains, and humidity create conditions scorpions actively avoid. Even if a scorpion were somehow brought to New Hampshire, it could not establish a breeding population. The combination of cold winters and humidity makes New Hampshire a complete dead zone for scorpion survival. For more on scorpion in New Hampshire, see ourNew Hampshire scorpion guide.
What Wildlife Does Live in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has wonderful and diverse wildlife that thrives in the state's temperate climate. The White Mountains are home to black bears, moose, and countless bird species. New Hampshire has numerous harmless and venomous snakes, including garter snakes, water snakes, and the timber rattlesnake in small numbers. Spiders are abundant and diverse, from wolf spiders and jumping spiders to orb weavers and other species. Most New Hampshire spiders are harmless and beneficial. Ticks do live in New Hampshire, particularly deer ticks that can carry Lyme disease, so tick prevention is important when hiking. Insects like mosquitoes, bees, and wasps are common. Frogs, lizards, and salamanders are part of New Hampshire's ecosystem. Many people worry about venomous animals, but New Hampshire's actual wildlife is manageable with basic outdoor awareness and precautions. OurNew Hampshire wildlife guideprovides information on all the creatures that actually share the state with you.
Scorpions Across the United States
Scorpions in North America are found almost exclusively in warm, arid regions. The southwestern United States has by far the highest scorpion diversity and abundance. Arizona is the scorpion capital of America, with numerous species including the potentially dangerous Arizona bark scorpion. New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, California, and southern Colorado all have established scorpion populations. Texas has scorpions throughout its warmer regions. Some southern states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and northern Florida have scorpions, but they are less common and typically less dangerous species. No scorpions are naturally found in any northeastern state. The cold tolerance of the northernmost scorpion species does not extend beyond Oklahoma and Texas. If you move from New Hampshire to Arizona or another warm state, you will need to learn about local scorpion safety. Conversely, if you live in New Hampshire, scorpions are simply not a hazard you need to consider. This is one of the many benefits of living in a temperate climate. You can also browseNew Hampshire wildlife.
How to Prevent Encounters with Other Venomous Wildlife in New Hampshire
While scorpions are not a concern in New Hampshire, the state does have other venomous creatures that warrant basic precautions. Timber rattlesnakes are found in limited areas of New Hampshire and are venomous but extremely shy and non-aggressive. Encounters are very rare. To avoid rattlesnakes, stay on marked trails, wear closed toe shoes and long pants when hiking in known rattlesnake habitat, and watch where you step. Make noise while hiking to alert snakes to your presence. Ticks are the most common venomous concern in New Hampshire. Tick prevention is important because some carry Lyme disease. Wear long pants and sleeves when hiking, use insect repellent, and check your body for ticks after outdoor activities. Remove ticks promptly and properly. Several spider species live in New Hampshire, but the only medically significant ones are rare. Most encounters with other venomous animals in New Hampshire are preventable through basic awareness and precautions.
Outdoor Safety in New Hampshire
Enjoying New Hampshire's beautiful outdoors is safe when you follow basic precautions. Wear appropriate clothing for the season and activity, including closed toe shoes on trails. Use insect repellent to prevent tick bites and mosquito bites. Stay hydrated and bring water on all outdoor excursions. Make noise while hiking to alert wildlife to your presence, which helps you avoid snakes. Stay on marked trails rather than bushwhacking through tall grass or brush. Never turn over rocks or logs without watching where you place your hands and feet. Be particularly cautious in areas known to have timber rattlesnakes, which are protected and rare in New Hampshire. Check your body thoroughly for ticks after spending time outdoors. Learn to identify native snakes and spiders so you can appreciate them rather than fear them. New Hampshire's wildlife is generally non-aggressive and poses little risk if you respect their space. For comprehensive safety information on all wildlife in the state, visit ourwildlife guides.
Harmless Creatures in New Hampshire
Many creatures that may frighten New Hampshire residents are completely harmless. Common spiders in homes include house spiders, wolf spiders, and jumping spiders, all of which are beneficial and pose no danger. Cellar spiders, sometimes called daddy longlegs, are harmless and eat pests. Most water snakes and garter snakes people encounter are harmless. Centipedes and millipedes are frightening in appearance but harmless to humans. Crickets and grasshoppers cannot hurt you despite their intimidating jumping and chirping. Harvestmen, sometimes called daddy longlegs, are harmless arachnids. Pseudoscorpions are tiny creatures that somewhat resemble scorpions but have no stinger and no venom. They are harmless and beneficial. If you find something unusual in your home or yard, it is far more likely to be harmless than dangerous. New Hampshire's biodiversity includes countless harmless creatures that share the environment with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can scorpions survive in New Hampshire? No, scorpions cannot survive New Hampshire's winters. The cold temperatures are lethal to scorpions. Could global warming bring scorpions to New Hampshire? Even with climate change, New Hampshire would need to warm far more than models predict for scorpions to survive there. Scorpions need both warmth and aridity, and New Hampshire's humidity would remain unsuitable. What is the closest place to New Hampshire where scorpions live? The nearest scorpions live in the southwestern United States, over 2,000 miles away in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. Are there any scorpion species that could survive in the Northeast? No, even the most cold-hardy scorpion species found in the United States cannot tolerate northeastern winters. New Hampshire residents never need to worry about scorpions. To learn about the wildlife that actually does live here, explore our comprehensiveNew Hampshire wildlife guide.
Plan your scorpion sighting in New Hampshire
There are no verified scorpion records for New Hampshire, which fits how uncommon they are here. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New Hampshire
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More wildlife in New Hampshire