May 29th, 2009

Eight legs, two pinchers, and a big ( but it can be little) stinger. What does that make you think of? When I hear that, I think: scorpion!


Today I was opening the windows of the ELC (Environmental Learning Center), business as usual, when I saw a  relatively small “dead spider” in the windowsill. At least, it wasn’t moving and sure looked dead. I left it there, resolving to come and pick it up later. I went around and finished opening up all of the windows and doors then walked over to the bookshelf and grabbed a book. I would use it to sweep the “spider” off of the windowsill. I went outside, and began to brush it off, and… It skittered around, arched its back, and stuck a stinger over its head! It was a scorpion! I yelped and jumped a mile high. I probably panicked more then I should have because I absolutely hate spiders, and scorpions aren’t that different. I ran back inside and picked up the phone, dropping it in my haste. I called my dad, who, apart from having lived on the island for three months and never seen one, told me that those scorpions were actually pretty harmless, with a sting like that of a small wasp or bee. Until I leave, though, you can be sure that  I’ll  always open windows extra carefully.

Filed under: Shelley |