Woman finds scorpion in her shopping

A terrified shopper got more than she bargained for when she returned home from the supermarket to find a scorpion in her groceries.

The woman from Dumfries unwittingly carried the creature home in a bunch of bananas she bought at a local store.

She called the Scottish SPCA, who identified the creature as a desert hairy scorpion.

Although not deadly, the native to North America can have a painful bite.

The animal organisation is looking for a home for the scorpion after the find on 7 March.

Rescue officer Tricia Smith: “The lady was terrified when she called us, although she had managed to contain the scorpion in a jar.

“Desert hairy scorpions aren’t deadly but, if bitten, the pain could vary from that of a bee-sting to intense inflammation and sickness.

“It’s just bigger than a fifty pence piece at the moment, indicating it’s quite young as an adult can reach up to six inches long.

“We’re hopeful we’ll soon be able to find this scorpion a home with an experienced and knowledgeable owner where it can receive the care it needs.”