A group set off on a scorpion hike Saturday evening at Echo Canyon State Park. Participants were provided ultraviolet lights and were amazed at the number of scorpions they found.
The group of adults and children at the scorpion hike on Saturday were surprised to learn scorpions have eight eyes, among other intriguing facts.
The hike was led by park ranger Josh Rhein at Echo Canyon State Park. A group of five adults and four children showed up at the park’s amphitheater at dusk for a quick presentation of scorpion facts, after which the group set off on a hike with ultraviolet lights provided by the park in hand. Everyone was excited to see the first neon colored scorpion, glowing fluorescently because of their exoskeleton under the UV light, and were further excited, amazed and even troubled at how many scorpions were discovered during the hike.
When a normal flashlight was turned on the scorpions, they were next to impossible to see, making the UV light transition very extraordinary. This was the third such hike this summer, and Rhein plans to do more. The hike was very unique, a first for most and educating for all. Everyone left with new knowledge of scorpions and pictures on their cell phones of a glowing anthropod.
To stay informed of future scorpion hikes and other events, follow the Echo Canyon State Park Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/EchoCanyonStatePark.
