Are There Scorpions in North Dakota?

No, scorpions are not found in North Dakota. Scorpions require warm climates and cannot survive North Dakota's harsh winters and cold climate. The nearest scorpions to North Dakota live over 1,500 miles away in the southwestern United States. North Dakota's continental climate makes it completely unsuitable for any scorpion species.

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 photographed in North Dakota — Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.

Black Hairy Scorpion photographed in North Dakota — Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.

Rare in North Dakota

7
GBIF records

Scorpions are rare in North Dakota, so you might also want:

Are Scorpions in North Dakota?

No, scorpions do not live in North Dakota. There are no established scorpion populations anywhere in the state. Scorpions have never naturally colonized North Dakota and never will without dramatic environmental changes. Scorpions are warm-climate desert animals that cannot tolerate extreme cold. North Dakota experiences some of the harshest winters in the United States, with temperatures regularly dropping far below freezing. Winter temperatures in North Dakota often plummet to 20 to 30 degrees below zero or colder. These extreme conditions are absolutely lethal to any scorpion species. Scorpions cannot generate their own body heat and cannot survive freezing temperatures. Even if a scorpion were somehow transported to North Dakota indoors, it could not establish an outdoor population. The nearest wild scorpion populations live over 1,500 miles away in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and other southwestern states. North Dakota residents can be completely assured that scorpions are not a concern. To learn about the wildlife that actually lives in North Dakota, explore ourNorth Dakota wildlife guidefor information.

Why North Dakota's Climate Excludes Scorpions

North Dakota's climate is completely unsuitable for scorpions for multiple reasons. Scorpions are ectothermic animals that depend entirely on environmental heat. They cannot generate body heat and evolved in hot deserts where warmth is constant. North Dakota has a continental climate with extremely cold, long winters and short summers. Winter temperatures regularly drop well below zero. Temperatures of 20 to 40 degrees below zero are not uncommon. These extremes are instantly fatal to scorpions. Their physiology has no adaptation for such severe cold. Scorpions cannot burrow deep enough in frozen North Dakota soil to find protection. Winter lasts from November through March, far too long for scorpions to endure in any form. Beyond winter cold, North Dakota also lacks the aridity that scorpions require. The prairie climate produces moderate rainfall and humidity that stress scorpion physiology. Scorpions evolved to conserve water through their respiratory system, which works poorly in humid conditions. North Dakota combines freezing winters with unsuitable humidity, making it utterly impossible for scorpions. No realistic climate change scenario would make North Dakota suitable for scorpions. For more on scorpion in North Dakota, see ourNorth Dakota scorpion guide.

Wildlife Actually Found in North Dakota

North Dakota has wonderful wildlife adapted to the state's harsh continental climate. Bison roam the western badlands and grasslands. Mule deer and white-tailed deer are common throughout the state. Prairie dogs live in colonies across western North Dakota grasslands. Coyotes, foxes, and badgers are part of the prairie ecosystem. North Dakota has many bird species including prairie grouse, waterfowl, and raptors. Snakes found in North Dakota include garter snakes, water snakes, and bullsnakes. All North Dakota snakes are non-venomous except for the rare and shy prairie rattlesnake found in western regions. Spiders are present but not diverse compared to warmer states. Mosquitoes and other insects are part of the summer ecosystem. Frogs and toads are present in wetland and prairie areas. Fish thrive in North Dakota's many lakes and rivers. Ticks are not a significant concern in North Dakota due to the cold winters that reduce tick populations. North Dakota's wildlife is well-adapted to extreme conditions. For more information on North Dakota creatures, visit ourNorth Dakota wildlife guide.

The Geography of Scorpions in America

Scorpions in North America are found almost exclusively in warm, dry regions far south and west of North Dakota. The southwestern United States has by far the highest scorpion abundance and diversity. Arizona ranks first in scorpion species, with many different kinds. New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and southern California all have significant scorpion populations. Parts of Texas, southern Colorado, Oklahoma, and Arkansas have limited scorpion populations in their warmest regions. A few far-southern states like Louisiana and Florida have very limited scorpion presence. No scorpions are found in any state on the Great Plains north of Oklahoma. The range of even the northernmost scorpion species does not extend past Oklahoma and north-central Texas. Scorpions are strictly desert and warm-climate creatures in North America. The continental climate of the Great Plains and northern states is completely unsuitable. North Dakota is over 1,500 miles from the nearest scorpion populations. If you moved from North Dakota to Arizona, New Mexico, or another southwestern state, you would need to learn about local scorpion safety and precautions. In North Dakota, scorpions are not a concern. You can also browseNorth Dakota wildlife.

Preventing Encounters with Venomous Wildlife in North Dakota

While scorpions are not found in North Dakota, the state does have one venomous snake that warrants awareness. The prairie rattlesnake is found in western North Dakota badlands and grasslands. This rattlesnake is venomous but extremely shy and non-aggressive. Encounters are uncommon. To prevent rattlesnake encounters, stay on marked trails and avoid tall grass in known prairie rattlesnake habitat in western badlands. Make noise while hiking so snakes hear you and retreat. Wear closed toe boots and long pants when hiking in prairie rattlesnake areas. Ticks are uncommon in North Dakota due to extreme winters that kill tick populations. Other venomous animals are not a concern in North Dakota. Mosquitoes are perhaps the most bothersome wildlife issue in North Dakota during summer months. Using insect repellent and avoiding dawn and dusk outdoor activities during peak mosquito season helps. Venomous animals are much less of a concern in North Dakota than in warmer states. Most North Dakota wildlife poses little threat with basic awareness and precautions.

Outdoor Safety in North Dakota

Enjoying North Dakota's badlands, prairies, and natural areas is safe with basic precautions. Wear appropriate clothing for the extreme weather, including sturdy hiking boots and long pants. Sun protection is important on open prairies. Wind can be a factor, so dress in layers that can be adjusted. Make noise while hiking to alert wildlife to your presence. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost on vast grasslands. Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated on prairie hikes. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for wildlife like buffalo, deer, and prairie dogs. Never approach or feed wild animals. Respect the land by taking out what you bring in and leaving no trace. In winter, extreme cold is the primary hazard rather than wildlife. Dress extremely warmly and never stay outdoors long in subzero temperatures. Summer mosquitoes can be bothersome, so use repellent during peak times. For more detailed safety information on North Dakota wildlife and outdoor recreation, explore ourwildlife guides.

Harmless Creatures in North Dakota

Many creatures in North Dakota that might alarm residents are completely harmless. Spiders found in North Dakota are beneficial and harmless to humans. Wolf spiders and jumping spiders eat insects and pose no threat. Cellar spiders are harmless. All North Dakota snakes except the rare prairie rattlesnake are completely harmless. Garter snakes are beneficial and eat rodents and pests. Water snakes are harmless and helpful. Bullsnakes are harmless and eat rodents. Centipedes and millipedes found in North Dakota are harmless. Crickets and grasshoppers cannot hurt you. Ticks are uncommon in North Dakota due to winter cold. If you find any creature in North Dakota, it is almost certainly harmless. North Dakota's wildlife is generally non-threatening and well-adapted to the harsh prairie environment. Most creatures avoid humans and pose no danger if left alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can scorpions live in North Dakota? No, scorpions cannot survive North Dakota's extreme cold. Winter temperatures kill scorpions instantly. Could global warming bring scorpions to North Dakota? Unlikely. Even with climate change, North Dakota would need to warm far more dramatically than projected and also become more arid. Current models show this is not probable. What venomous animals live in North Dakota? The prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous animal in North Dakota, and it is rare and shy. Encounters are uncommon. Are there any dangerous spiders in North Dakota? No dangerous spiders live in North Dakota. All spider species are harmless and beneficial. Where do scorpions actually live? Scorpions are found primarily in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and California. For more information on North Dakota wildlife and outdoor safety, visit ourNorth Dakota wildlife guide.

Plan your scorpion sighting in North Dakota

7 verified scorpion records have been logged in North Dakota, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in North Dakota

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
North Country National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Theodore Roosevelt National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site · Find hotels

Planning a trip to see scorpion? Find places to stay near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site on Booking.com.

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