The average scorpion probably lives three to five years, but some species undoubtedly live at least 10-15 years. A few scorpions exhibit social behaviors beyond the mother-young association, such as forming overwintering aggregations, colonial burrowing, and perhaps even living in extended familygroups that share burrows and food. The venom of scorpions is used for both prey capture and defense. Despite their bad reputation, only one species in the U.S. and about 20 others worldwide have venom potent enough to be considered dangerous to humans. A small population occurs in extreme southeastern California, and a few records exist for southern Utah.
Death is rare, especially in more recent times.
An antivenin is available for severe cases. In some of these areas, scorpion stings may be a significant cause of death, but reliable data on human mortality are not readily available. Death by scorpion sting, if it occurs, is the result of heart or respiratory failure some hours after the incident.