Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Scorpion sighted

During a day hike on July 01 '14, I spotted a small black scorpion along the main trail, around the area of the John Muir sign just past Lone Pine creek. Is this normal? I mean, should a scorpion be in this area?

Hey Lance, it's Jay. I met you on the summit of Mt. Whitney and you took photos for me since my camera wasn't working.

I asked Doug Sr at the Portal Store about the black scorpion.
He said there are definitely scorpions in the Sierra Nevadas.

From my reading, you may have seen a female (mostly black).

All the best.

p.s. would you re-send the photo of me with the hut in the background. Somehow managed to delete before I saved.

Thanks.

Yes, there are scorpions in the SN...

Out here in Oakhurst, we have the quarter-sized variety. Yes, they are no bigger than a quarter, but they are quashed like a buzzing fly. The prefer to climb on ceilings. I find them in glass bowls in the kitchen, and I am in the habit of checking all of my footwear before putting my big toe into them.

I don't like em, but I live with em.

I am curious as to the size of the scorpion you spotted.

Another reason, folks, to keep those zippers on your tent closed.

Thanks for the replies, I never suspected/expected to see a scorpion! Indeed, keep zippers closed and check your footwear, i never read anywhere to think of these critters, all this time i've been solely worried about bears. This scorpion was slightly bigger than a quarter, but sure sounds like the species you describe. Thanks again!

Their sting is about the equivalent of being stung by a yellow jacket. But keep in mind, this is a scorpion...

They prefer smooth to "cottage cheese ceiling" surfaces. They don't like rugs or shaggy carpet.

I killed one this morning on my side of the bedroom floor. I moved my shoes and there it was. It tried to escape but it got squished.

Hiked Meysan Lakes Trail on June 27, and came across a millipede on the trail near Grass Lake. No longer than my lttle finger, but there it was. I'm sure there are other of God's creatures up there that we wouldn't realize. Keeps the grouse and marmots company!