By WESLIE GRAHAM
Moapa Valley Progress
Youth from throughout the region enjoyed a free night hike and scorpion hunt at the Moapa Valley Wildlife Refuge in Warm Springs on Saturday, Sept. 19. Around 20 children, including a troop of girl scouts, participated in the hike.
The theme for the evening was “Scorpions are just like us…but completely different,” according to leader Tim Parker with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the federal entity which manages the Refuge. Parker asked the group how scorpions are like humans. Answers included “they grow,” “they need air,” “they’re alive,” and “they need food and water.”
Ultraviolet lights were provided for participants to enable them to spot scorpions along the trail as they glow under the beam of the lights. Each time one was discovered the group gathered around and learned various facts.
Parker explained that scorpions are not bugs but are arachnids like spiders. And just like spiders, they have eight legs. He said that each scorpion has a set of eyes on top of their heads to help seek shade in the daylight. But they primarily use their ears to find food, he said.
The group of youngsters was enthusiastic about the scorpion search and enjoyed participating in object lessons relating to the arachnids.