Are There Scorpions in South Dakota?
No, scorpions do not live in South Dakota. The state experiences long, cold winters with subzero temperatures, making survival impossible for these warm-weather arachnids. Scorpions are found only in hot, arid regions of the southwestern United States. South Dakota residents have no risk of encountering scorpions in their state.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.
Western Forest Scorpion · Seth CC BY
Black Hairy Scorpion · Public domain CC0
Southern Devil Scorpion · Alan Rockefeller CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- July
- peak months
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
Only 1 verified observations on iNaturalist of scorpion have been logged in South Dakota, 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 do not live in South Dakota. The state experiences long, cold winters with subzero temperatures, making survival impossible for these warm-weather arachnids. Scorpions are found only in hot, arid regions of the southwestern United States. South Dakota residents have no risk of encountering scorpions in their state.
Are they in South Dakota?
Scorpions are not established in South Dakota. The state's continental climate, with long, cold winters where temperatures regularly drop well below zero Fahrenheit, spring and fall with moderate temperatures, and short summers, is entirely unsuitable for scorpion survival. Scorpions require warm, arid conditions and cannot survive extended cold or freezing temperatures. They are found naturally only in the southwestern desert regions of the United States, with their primary range in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and western Texas. The nearest scorpion populations to South Dakota are hundreds of miles south in Arizona and New Mexico. South Dakota has never had established scorpions and has no history of breeding populations. If you find a creature resembling a scorpion in South Dakota, it is certainly a misidentified harmless insect. CheckScorpion in South Dakotato confirm they are not a concern.
How dangerous is it?
Since scorpions do not live in South Dakota, there is no danger from scorpion stings in the state. However, understanding scorpion venom can be useful for travelers. Most North American scorpions deliver a sting similar to a wasp sting: painful, with localized redness and swelling typically resolving within 24 to 72 hours. The Arizona bark scorpion, found only in parts of Arizona and California, is the sole North American species with venom potent enough to occasionally cause systemic symptoms like numbness, tingling, or muscle twitching in humans. Even then, serious medical effects are uncommon, and deaths from any North American scorpion sting are extremely rare, especially in healthy adults with access to modern medical care. Learn more about regional wildlife dangers by exploringwildlifeguides before traveling west.
How to recognize one
Although you will never find scorpions in South Dakota, recognizing them can be valuable when traveling to southwestern states. Scorpions are distinctive arachnids with eight legs, large front pincers (pedipalps), and a curved tail tipped with a stinger. North American scorpions are typically brown, tan, or reddish and range from 2 to 4 inches long. They are nocturnal and hide during daylight in dark, cool places such as under rocks, inside bark, in woodpiles, beneath debris, in shoes, inside dark drawers, and under mattresses. Scorpions do not hunt large prey and do not pursue humans. They only sting when directly threatened or accidentally crushed. If you encounter a scorpion in a southwestern region, stay calm and slowly move away. Do not attempt to capture, touch, or kill it.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
South Dakota residents will not encounter scorpions in the state, so being stung at home is impossible. However, if stung while traveling in the Southwest, remain calm. Sit or lie down immediately and keep the stung area as still as possible to slow venom spread. Remove any rings, bracelets, or tight clothing near the sting to prevent circulation problems. Gently wash the area with soap and water. A cool compress, not ice, may provide some comfort. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, soak in ice water, or use tourniquets. Do not cut, attempt suction, or apply any field treatment. Seek medical attention if pain is severe, if swelling extends beyond the immediate area, or if you develop any unusual symptoms. This is general information, not medical advice; if you are bitten, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if symptoms are severe. Poison Control specialists can provide appropriate medical guidance.
How to prevent encounters
South Dakota residents do not need scorpion prevention measures because scorpions do not live in the state. However, if you travel to or relocate to a southwestern state, prevention is simple. Wear closed-toe shoes when outdoors, especially at night or when walking in desert, rocky, or brush-covered terrain. Shake out shoes, clothing, and bedding before using or wearing them, as scorpions sometimes shelter in these items. Inspect the inside of bags, coolers, boxes, and gear before reaching in. When camping in scorpion country, keep your sleeping bag sealed and elevated off the ground on a cot or raised platform. Shake out tents thoroughly before and after use. In homes located in scorpion regions, seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and utility pipes. Maintain a clean interior and avoid piles of clutter that could hide scorpions.
Where in South Dakota and when
Scorpions do not occur anywhere in South Dakota at any time of year. The state's continental climate is uniformly unsuitable for scorpion survival. South Dakota experiences long winters with temperatures regularly dropping to 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit or lower, with substantial snowfall. Summers are warm but brief, and spring and fall bring highly variable temperatures. Throughout much of the year, the state is too cold for scorpion survival. Scorpions are found naturally only in warm, arid regions of the southwestern United States. Their primary range includes Arizona, California, New Mexico, western Texas, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. If you want to learn aboutwildlife in South Dakota, you can be assured scorpions are not part of your local ecosystem at any season.
Harmless lookalikes
South Dakota has several creatures that people sometimes mistake for scorpions, though all are completely harmless. Pseudoscorpions are the most common confusion. These tiny arachnids, usually less than a quarter-inch long, resemble miniature scorpions but lack the visible tail and stinger. They are found under bark, in leaf litter, soil, and sometimes in buildings, where they feed on small insects and mites. Pseudoscorpions are entirely harmless to humans. Earwigs are another scorpion look-alike, with pincers (cerci) on their rear end that might suggest a scorpion tail. However, earwigs cannot sting humans and are harmless garden insects. Some large spiders might be mistaken for scorpions by the uninformed, though their body shape and anatomy are quite different. If you find an arthropod in South Dakota that resembles a scorpion, it is almost certainly one of these common harmless species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scorpions deadly? Most North American scorpions are not deadly to humans. Only the Arizona bark scorpion has venom potent enough to occasionally cause systemic effects, and deaths from any scorpion sting remain extremely rare in North America. How common are scorpion stings in South Dakota? Scorpion stings do not occur in South Dakota because scorpions do not live in the state. There is zero local risk. What attracts scorpions to a house? In southwestern states where scorpions live, they enter buildings seeking insects to eat and shelter from extreme heat. This is not a concern in South Dakota. What should I do if I see one? If you see a scorpion while traveling in the Southwest, calmly move away and leave it alone. Do not capture or kill it. If stung, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Learn more withour wildlife guidesand checkwildlife in South Dakota.
Plan your trip
Best time to see scorpion in South Dakota: July
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Are they in South Dakota?+
Scorpions are not established in South Dakota. The state's continental climate, with long, cold winters where temperatures regularly drop well below zero Fahrenheit, spring and fall with moderate temperatures, and short summers, is entirely unsuitable for scorpion survival. Scorpions require warm, arid conditions and cannot survive extended cold or freezing temperatures. They are found naturally only in the southwestern desert regions of the United States, with their primary range in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and western Texas. The nearest scorpion populations to South Dakota are hundreds of miles south in Arizona and New Mexico. South Dakota has never had established scorpions and has no history of breeding populations. If you find a creature resembling a scorpion in South Dakota, it is certainly a misidentified harmless insect. CheckScorpion in South Dakotato confirm they are not a concern.
How dangerous is it?+
Since scorpions do not live in South Dakota, there is no danger from scorpion stings in the state. However, understanding scorpion venom can be useful for travelers. Most North American scorpions deliver a sting similar to a wasp sting: painful, with localized redness and swelling typically resolving within 24 to 72 hours. The Arizona bark scorpion, found only in parts of Arizona and California, is the sole North American species with venom potent enough to occasionally cause systemic symptoms like numbness, tingling, or muscle twitching in humans. Even then, serious medical effects are uncommon, and deaths from any North American scorpion sting are extremely rare, especially in healthy adults with access to modern medical care. Learn more about regional wildlife dangers by exploringwildlifeguides before traveling west.
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