Are There Scorpions in Utah?
Yes, scorpions may be present in far southern Utah near the Arizona border, but they are quite rare and localized. The Northern Scorpion occurs in southwestern regions. Most of Utah, north and east of this limited zone, is free of scorpions.
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
- 8
- species recorded
- 930
- GBIF records
- April, May, July
- peak months
Yes, scorpions are in Utah. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
10 types of scorpions recorded in Utah
10 scorpion species have a verified observation record in Utah, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
- No openly licensed photo yet1
- No openly licensed photo yet2
Yellow Devil Scorpion
Paravaejovis confusus
201 records - No openly licensed photo yet3
- No openly licensed photo yet4
- No openly licensed photo yet5
- No openly licensed photo yet6
Eastern Swollenstinger Scorpion
Anuroctonus phaiodactylus
96 records - No openly licensed photo yet7
- No openly licensed photo yet8
Serradigitus wupatkiensis
Serradigitus wupatkiensis
45 records - No openly licensed photo yet9
- No openly licensed photo yet10
Beck's Desert Scorpion
Paruroctonus becki
16 records
Plus 3 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,538 verified observations on iNaturalist of scorpion have been recorded in Utah, most often in April, May, July.
When scorpion are recorded in Utah
Yes, scorpions may be present in far southern Utah near the Arizona border, but they are quite rare and localized. The Northern Scorpion occurs in southwestern regions. Most of Utah, north and east of this limited zone, is free of scorpions.
Are they in Utah?
Scorpions may occur in far southern Utah, but only in a very limited area near the Arizona border. The Northern Scorpion, also called the Northern Scorpion or Striped-tailed Scorpion, has a range that extends into southwestern Utah, particularly in Washington County near the Arizona state line. However, scorpion populations in Utah are extremely rare and localized compared to Arizona or New Mexico. Most of Utah, including all areas north of about the Iron County line and east of Washington County, does not have scorpions. Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and other major Utah cities are completely free of scorpions. If you live in the far southwestern corner of Utah near Zion National Park or the Arizona border, scorpions might theoretically be present, though sightings are uncommon. For detailed information about your specific area, seeScorpion in Utah.
How dangerous is it?
Scorpion stings in Utah are extremely rare because scorpion populations are so limited. The Northern Scorpion, the species occasionally found in southern Utah, delivers a sting comparable to a wasp sting. It causes localized pain, redness, and swelling at the sting site, typically lasting hours to one or two days. Systemic symptoms such as numbness or tingling are very uncommon. Serious medical effects are extremely rare, and no deaths from Utah scorpion stings have been documented. Healthy adults rarely require medical attention beyond basic care. The minimal scorpion population in Utah means that stings are extraordinarily uncommon, even for people living in the southwestern regions where they theoretically occur. For comprehensive safety information aboutwildlifein different regions, consult our guides.
How to recognize one
If you live in far southern Utah and want to recognize a scorpion, the Northern Scorpion is relatively small and distinctive. It is typically 2 to 3 inches long, tan or brown in color, with darker stripes or patterns along the body. Like all scorpions, it has eight legs, two large front pincers (pedipalps), and a curved tail tipped with a stinger. In southern Utah, scorpions hide during the day in cool, dark places such as under rocks, inside bark, in woodpiles, leaf litter, and dark spaces like shoes or garage corners. They are nocturnal and hunt insects at night. Scorpions do not pursue humans and only sting when directly threatened or crushed. If you find a scorpion-like creature in southern Utah, stay calm and move away slowly.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
If you are stung by a scorpion in southern Utah, remain calm. Sit down and keep the stung area still to slow venom spread. Remove any rings, bracelets, or tight clothing near the sting, as swelling may develop. Gently wash the sting with soap and water. A cool compress, not ice, may provide some comfort. Most stings resolve within hours without medical intervention. If pain is mild to moderate, over-the-counter pain relief may be appropriate. 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. Do not attempt field treatments like ice, tourniquets, cutting, or suction.
How to prevent encounters
If you live in far southern Utah where scorpions might theoretically be present, simple prevention steps can reduce risk. Wear closed-toe shoes, especially at night or when walking in rocky or desert areas. Shake out shoes, clothing, and bedding before putting them on or getting into bed, as scorpions can shelter in these items. Inspect the inside of bags and gear before reaching in. Seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows of your home. Remove piles of wood, rocks, and clutter from your yard. Trim branches away from your roof. Keep the interior of your home clean and free of clutter. When camping in southern Utah's desert areas, keep your sleeping bag sealed and elevated off the ground. Shake out tents and gear before packing up in the morning.
Where in Utah and when
Scorpions in Utah are restricted to the far southwestern corner of the state, primarily in Washington County near the Arizona border. The specific habitat includes the deserts and semi-arid areas near Zion National Park and surrounding regions. Even in this limited area, scorpions are quite rare and not frequently encountered. They are most active in warm months from spring through fall, with peak activity during summer. They are nocturnal and rarely seen during the day. In winter, as temperatures cool, scorpions become even less active. The rest of Utah, including all cities north of the Utah-Arizona border zone, lacks scorpion populations entirely. The high elevation areas, mountains, and northern regions of Utah have climates far too cool for scorpion survival. Checkwildlife in Utahto learn more about your region's actual fauna.
Harmless lookalikes
Southern Utah has several creatures that people sometimes mistake for scorpions, though all are completely harmless. Pseudoscorpions are the most common misidentification. 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, and sometimes in homes, where they feed on small insects and mites. Pseudoscorpions are entirely harmless. Whip scorpions, found in southern Utah, have a long, whip-like tail but no stinger and are not dangerous. They are beneficial insect predators. Earwigs are another scorpion look-alike, with pincers on their rear end that might suggest a scorpion tail, but earwigs cannot sting. Some large spiders might be mistaken for scorpions, though their body shape is different. If you find an arthropod in Utah that resembles a scorpion, it is likely one of these harmless species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scorpions deadly in Utah? Scorpions in Utah are not deadly. The Northern Scorpion, the only species that might occur here, delivers a minor sting. Deaths from Utah scorpion stings have never been documented. How common are scorpion stings in Utah? Scorpion stings in southern Utah are extremely uncommon. Because scorpion populations are so rare and limited, actual stings are extraordinarily rare events. What attracts scorpions to a house? Scorpions in southern Utah hunt insects and seek shelter from heat. However, given their rarity, attraction to homes is not a practical concern. What should I do if I see one in southern Utah? Calmly move away and leave it alone. Do not attempt to capture or kill it. If stung, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Learn more withour wildlife guidesand explorewildlife in Utah.
Plan your trip
Best time to see scorpion in Utah: April, May, July
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your scorpion sighting in Utah
930 verified scorpion records have been logged in Utah. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Utah
- Bryce Canyon National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Capitol Reef National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cedar Breaks National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Dinosaur National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Zion National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Arches National Park · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are they in Utah?+
Scorpions may occur in far southern Utah, but only in a very limited area near the Arizona border. The Northern Scorpion, also called the Northern Scorpion or Striped-tailed Scorpion, has a range that extends into southwestern Utah, particularly in Washington County near the Arizona state line. However, scorpion populations in Utah are extremely rare and localized compared to Arizona or New Mexico. Most of Utah, including all areas north of about the Iron County line and east of Washington County, does not have scorpions. Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and other major Utah cities are completely free of scorpions. If you live in the far southwestern corner of Utah near Zion National Park or the Arizona border, scorpions might theoretically be present, though sightings are uncommon. For detailed information about your specific area, seeScorpion in Utah.
How dangerous is it?+
Scorpion stings in Utah are extremely rare because scorpion populations are so limited. The Northern Scorpion, the species occasionally found in southern Utah, delivers a sting comparable to a wasp sting. It causes localized pain, redness, and swelling at the sting site, typically lasting hours to one or two days. Systemic symptoms such as numbness or tingling are very uncommon. Serious medical effects are extremely rare, and no deaths from Utah scorpion stings have been documented. Healthy adults rarely require medical attention beyond basic care. The minimal scorpion population in Utah means that stings are extraordinarily uncommon, even for people living in the southwestern regions where they theoretically occur. For comprehensive safety information aboutwildlifein different regions, consult our guides.
More wildlife in Utah