Guidelines for Keeping Scorpions as Pets
Scorpions are located throughout Australia, in habitats ranging from salt lakes to rainforest and deserts. For this reason, it is important that potential owners are aware of the requirements for the species of scorpion that they choose. Generally, scorpions are not aggressive towards humans, unless they are provoked, however care should still be taken when handling these animals. Scorpions are nocturnal, meaning that most of their activity occurs during the night. Potential owners should consider this before purchasing a scorpion, as this doesn’t appeal to everyone.
Permits
In the Northern Territory, many native animals are protected under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act and therefore cannot be kept as pets unless the owner holds an approved permit to keep that animal (unless it is on the exempt species list). Some native animals are listed on the exempt species list, meaning that a permit is not required to keep these animals. However, import and export permits are still required and due to these animals being protected it is illegal to take these animals from the wild without an approved take permit. (All wildlife requires import, export and take permits regardless of whether or not they are listed on the exempt species list).
The Northern Territory Government promotes leaving native animals in the wild, however it is understood that some individuals wish to care for injured native animals.
Permits are not issued to keep injured or orphaned animals on a permanent basis. A Wildlife Carer’s Permit may be issued to allow for the temporary care and rehabilitation of animals for eventual release. These permits are issued upon completion of recognised training in animal husbandry and care. People finding an injured or orphaned animal should contact their nearest wildlife rescue organisation or Parks and Wildlife office for advice.
Native animals require similar standards for food, hygiene, shelter and conditions as domestic pets. Moreover, in some cases, native wildlife may require more attention or greater requirements than other domesticated pets. It is important that individuals considering keeping native animals as pets consider these needs carefully before they make a decision, because in some cases, despite the best intentions, native animals have suffered from neglect (e.g. Starvation, disease) because owners have not understood the needs or symptoms of the animal.
Requirements
Be well informed about the needs of your pet before you buy it. Do not solely rely on the information that you obtain from the pet shop. As a general rule, you want to mimic the animal’s natural environment as much as possible
Housing
Scorpions are unable to climb, so a smooth glass or plastic aquarium or container is ideal for housing. However, a lid should be used to prevent live food from escaping. It is important that some soil or gravel is placed on the bottom of the enclosure, as well as some larger substrate, such as sticks, stones or bark, for the scorpion to climb on or hide in. It may be necessary to install a heat pad underneath the enclosure, however this will depend on where you live and the species of scorpion that you own.
Scorpions require humid conditions, which is relatively easily created by spraying mist into the enclosure each day. However, it is important that the container is not wet.
Feeding
Scorpions only eat live foods, such as crickets, cockroaches, blowflies, mealworms, beetles or baby mice. They are usually fed once per fortnight, however this will depend on the size of the animal. It is important that pet owners are aware of the needs of their specific pet, as over-feeding or under-feeding may result in death. If the scorpion readily eats all the food that is offered, you may need to increase the amount that you give. Similarly, if the scorpion doesn’t eat, it is better to remove it and wait a few days before feeding again.
Water
Scorpions will drink from a cotton wool ball that is soaked in water.
Handling
Handling your scorpion is not recommended because of the strong possibility of being stung or grabbed by the scorpion’s pincers. Alternatively, you may injure your pet.
The toxicity of scorpion venom to humans varies with the species of scorpion, however most species will not seriously harm humans. If you are stung or injured, clean the wound with antiseptic. Apply a cool cloth or ice pack to the area at ten minute intervals. If you start having any type of severe reaction to a sting, seek out medical attention immediately.
Health
In captivity, scorpions usually live for approximately two years. The greatest threat to the health of scorpions is mites. Food should be checked for the presence of mites before it is given to the scorpion.
