Friday night about nine o’clock I went to let the dogs back into the house and noticed Tucker nose down, locked in on something. It was a good- sized scorpion sitting right at the back door. Now remember, I’m desert and not all that sane, when I say “good- sized” that means I’m not playing around and taking pictures with my cowboys next to it. I’m debating on saddling it up and riding it. This thing was a respectable sized scorpion.

But my brain went to “this beast would be amazing at the museum for my Saturday talks! Go grab a container!”

I get the dogs safely inside and grab a deep plastic, Costco sized, humus container and plop it right on top of the scorpion so I can figure out my life. My husband won’t be home for a few more hours. I don’t have an aquarium. I need to be at the museum in the morning. What do I have that can house my new friend in until I find a better option?

I rip the cardboard from a notepad and slide it under a now really pissed off good-sized scorpion and with humus container firmly in place flip it over and get the lid on.

It is at this point I get to see just how long we are as it stands on end trying to raise the roof. I’m right, this IS a “good- sized” scorpion. I need a habitat.

See, at the museum we literally meet people from all over the world. Scorpions are not found everywhere and quite an amazing critter to watch. Seeing a live scorpion for some folks is a once in a life time experience but not so much for local desert dwellers. I knew if I was going to bring one and show it off my locals would be tough on me about it. It better be “big enough” to be worth the conversation. Yes, little scorpions can be nasty and dangerous as well but just aren’t impressive.

I find a larger clear plastic container. It’s not as deep as I would like but much better looking for show and tell and has a lid.

I clean it out and add rocks. Rookie move. I should have known better. The added rock gives enough traction and the container is not very deep. The second I drop the scorpion in it stands on end and truly is big enough to flop right on out. But I’m quick and get the lid and stuff it back down like I am Daffy Duck stuffing the Genie back into the lamp (mine! mine! mine! down! down! down!)

I win that battle but it is now really mad at me.

I put two large rubber bands around the lid so scorpion arm strong doesn’t pop the lid off while I pretend to sleep.

I name it Bob after a favorite movie that I could watch too much, “What about Bob?” I have no idea if it’s a boy or girl yet but it’s name is Bob.

Bob spent the entire night systematically checking for any weakness in the container, searching for the way out. Sorry Bob, I’m not that new.

Bob was a huge hit at the museum. It didn’t matter that Bob sat in a condensed habitat with rubber bands around it. Everyone wanted to see Bob.

An amazing volunteer named Jerry came up to me just a few hours later. Holding a small aquarium, he tells me Bob has a new home. Jerry had left, saw a yard sale, stopped, got the aquarium and brought it back to me and Bob! Jerry got a hug.

Best I can tell so far is Bob is about 4 inches when stretching up to try to escape. My zoo friends will help me verify what exactly I now own in terms of what type of scorpion, male or female, all the facts.

So now Bob sits in a lovely aquarium filled with all the comforts that creature needs. He will be spoiled as best I can. He will be an ambassador for the desert and scorpions everywhere. Come visit me and Bob at the Superstition Mountain Museum on Saturdays.