Can you eat scorpions live?

Can you eat scorpions live? Yes, it is possible to eat scorpions while they are still alive. Some people and cultures practice eating live scorpions as part of tradition or for thrills. However, there are also risks associated with eating live scorpions, such as being stung or exposed to toxins. Proceed with extreme caution if attempting to eat live scorpions.

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Reasons People Eat Live Scorpions

Here are some of the main reasons why people choose to eat live scorpions:

Tradition – In some cultures, eating live scorpions is considered a rite of passage or traditional practice. For example, eating live scorpions is a tradition in parts of China and Thailand.

Thrill seeking – Some people eat live scorpions simply for the thrill and adrenaline rush. Eating live insects is considered an extreme food challenge.
TV and social media influence – Shows like Fear Factor have popularized eating live scorpions for shock value. People attempt it after seeing it online to get attention.
Nutrition – Scorpions do contain nutritional value, including protein, fat, and minerals. However, they are not a necessary food source.

Flavor – Some food aficionados claim live scorpions have a unique flavor when eaten. The taste is described as nutty, meaty or acidic.

Preparing Live Scorpions for Consumption

If you intend to eat a live scorpion, here are some steps for preparation:

Source live scorpions safely from a reliable exotic food supplier.

Ensure the scorpion is healthy, active and not lethargic.
Allow the scorpion to fast for 24-48 hours before eating to clear the digestive tract.
Rinse the scorpion and pat dry.

Consider stunning or dispatching the scorpion humanely right before eating to minimize pain.
Pull off the tail stinger to reduce risk of being stung.
Pull off claws or disables claws with plastic cable tie or tape.

Eat freshly prepared to avoid foodborne illness.

Proper preparation can help reduce risks when eating live scorpions. However, risks can never be fully eliminated. Proceed with caution.

Methods for Eating Live Scorpions

If you choose to eat a live scorpion, here are some of the common methods:

Swallowing whole – Dropping the live scorpion directly into the mouth and swallowing whole. This requires getting past the bite reflex as the scorpion may sting inside the mouth.
Frying – Cooking the live scorpion briefly in oil to kill and cook it partially before eating.
Dipping in sauce – Dipping the live scorpion in a flavorful sauce like soy sauce before eating.

On food – Placing the live scorpion on a piece of food like a cracker before eating.
With alcohol – Some eat live scorpions while intoxicated from alcohol to dull the sensation.

There are many techniques for consuming live scorpions. The most hardcore approach is swallowing the scorpion while fully alive. Others prefer to disable the stinger first or combine the scorpion with sauce or food to make it easier to eat.

Risks and Dangers of Eating Live Scorpions

While fascinating for some thrill seekers, eating live scorpions does come with the following risks:

Stings – Scorpions can sting inside the mouth, tongue or throat when eaten live, causing immediate pain and swelling.
Allergic reactions – Being stung may trigger life-threatening allergic reactions including anaphylaxis in some people.

Injury – Scorpion claws can injure the lips, gums or other soft tissues of the mouth when eaten live.
Choking hazard – Improperly swallowing the hard exoskeleton of a scorpion poses a choking risk.
Illness – Eating live scorpions raw exposes you to pathogens that may cause food poisoning or infection.

Venom toxicity – Scorpion venom contains neurotoxins and cytotoxins that can cause serious harm in humans.
Parasites – Parasites present in raw scorpions may transmit infections.
Reactions – Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps or other adverse reactions are possible after eating live scorpions.

Due to these risks, medical supervision is recommended for anyone attempting to eat a live scorpion. Having medication and medical support on hand is crucial in case of complications. Never eat multiple scorpions in one sitting due to the cumulative dangers. Children, pregnant women, elderly and those with allergies should avoid eating live scorpions.

Species of Scorpions Used for Consumption

Typically milder scorpion species are preferred for eating purposes:

Species	Region	Toxins
Emperor scorpion	West Africa	Mild venom
Malaysian forest scorpion	Southeast Asia	Relatively mild venom
Dictator scorpion	South America	Low toxicity
Burrowing scorpion	North America	Weak venom
Heterometrus petersii	Asia	Minimal toxicity to humans

The most dangerous scorpion species like the deathstalker should never be eaten live due to their extremely toxic venom. Seek expert advice to identify suitable scorpion species for consumption.

World Records for Eating Live Scorpions

Some competitive eaters have achieved records for eating live scorpions:

The current Guinness World Record for most live scorpions eaten in 1 minute is 20, achieved by Alexis Crystal in 2014.
Julia Schwaiger holds the female record for eating 30 live scorpions in 2 minutes in 2005.

Performance artist Cindy Lu ate 50 live scorpions in just under 6 minutes in Santa Monica in 2003.
The most live scorpions eaten in 1 sitting is 101, achieved by Anthony Victor in India in 2019 over 45 minutes.
Tim Henderson has the YouTube record of swallowing 15 live Emperor scorpions in under 60 seconds.

These competitive eaters train extensively for these dangerous feats and take health precautions. Do not attempt to emulate such records due to the grave risks involved.

Experiences and Testimonials on Eating Live Scorpions

Here are some first-hand experiences described by those who have eaten live scorpions:

“I tried eating a live scorpion in Thailand. The vendor ripped the stinger off then handed it to me squirming on a stick. I put it in my mouth and it immediately tried to sting my tongue. It tasted acidic and nutty as I crunched down. Luckily I didn’t get stung but I had to drink a lot of water to force it down.”

“Eating a live Emperor scorpion for my YouTube channel was intense. I used pliers to disable the claws first. Putting in my mouth, my teeth cracked its hard shell before I swallowed it whole. It scratched my throat going down and left an unpleasant venom aftertaste. I don’t recommend it.”

“My friends dared me to eat a live scorpion during a trip to Cambodia. The vendor dipped it in a bowl of garlic, pepper and lime juice first. It was still moving its claws and tail as I put it in my mouth. I got stung on the tongue and my mouth went numb before I spit it out. 0/10 experience.”

“I ate live scorpions numerous times on Fear Factor for the gross out factor. Producers would buy Mexican redknee scorpions which aren’t too venomous. They taste acidic and are crunchy but get lodged in your teeth. I drank milk afterward to cut the venom tingle. Don’t try for fun.”

Based on these experiences, eating live scorpions seems to offer little reward for the risks incurred. Getting stung in the mouth appears to be common. The taste and texture are not described as appealing. First-timers should avoid attempting this risky food challenge on a whim.

After Effects and Symptoms from Eating Live Scorpions

Here are some possible medical after effects and symptoms from eating live scorpions:

Tingling, burning or numbness of mouth, lips and throat from venom.
Swelling, welts or irritation where stung in the mouth or internally.

Nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps from venom toxicity.
Allergic reaction symptoms like hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing.
Bleeding if cut internally by claws or exoskeleton.

Damage or cuts to oral soft tissues and gums.
Dehydration from difficulty swallowing or drinking.
Infection from pathogenic contamination of raw scorpion.

Diarrhea or intestinal distress from venom reaction.
Muscle spasms, respiratory distress or other neurotoxic symptoms.
Psychological reactions like disgust, anxiety, panic attacks.

Anyone experiencing concerning symptoms after eating live scorpions should seek prompt medical treatment. Do not take risks with scorpion venom which can be fatal. Having anti-venom on hand can help treat serious stings.

Medical and Legal Risks of Eating Live Scorpions

Beyond direct health impacts, ingesting live scorpions also poses the following medical and legal risks:

Need for costly emergency medical treatment if seriously stung or envenomated.

Possibility of having to be hospitalized in intensive care for scorpion sting reactions.
Long term health complications from exposure to toxins, parasites or pathogens.
In some regions, keeping live scorpions or ingesting them may be illegal.

Possibility of being criminally charged if providing live scorpions that injure someone.
Violating laws against food safety and sales of hazardous or contaminated items.
Legal jeopardy if not licensed as an exotic food vendor or expert.

Legal action by others injured as a result of medical costs or complications.

The medical urgency, injuries, and illegality involved make ingesting live scorpions an extremely high risk behavior. The dangerous and foolish nature of this activity should dissuade most rational people.

Safer Alternatives to Eating Live Scorpions

For those seeking unique food experiences involving scorpions, some safer alternatives exist:

Eating scorpions that are pre-cooked or fried to kill any toxins and pathogens first.
Consuming scorpions that have been frozen which renders them inert and inactive.
Trying scorpion meat, such as fried scorpion skewers, which contain minimal venom.

Eating scorpions that have stinger and claws removed then boiled in oil to eliminate risks.
Trying baked scorpion recipes where oven heat neutralizes venom.
Using only a small, paralysis-causing dose of venom when cooking live scorpions to keep risks low.

Getting personalized advice from medical professionals on any appropriate safety precautions.

When prepared using proper safety guidelines, scorpions can be an exotic food. However, the live and intact version poses unacceptable and unnecessary dangers. Take appropriate precautions.

Conclusion

In summary, it is possible but extremely hazardous to eat scorpions while they are fully alive. Traditions, thrill seeking, and viral videos may motivate some to try it, but this activity bears significant risks of envenomation, allergic reactions, injuries, transmission of pathogens and parasites, and other adverse health effects. The neurotoxins and cytotoxins found in scorpion venom can cause life-threatening consequences at sufficient doses. Successfully swallowing a live scorpion intact requires getting past the body’s natural bite reflexes. If attempting despite the risks, seek proper preparation advice and medical support in case of complications. However, the safest approach is to never consume a scorpion while it remains completely alive and capable of stinging or pinching in defense. Those set on eating scorpions can find safer alternatives that eliminate risks through proper cooking methods and venom removal. Otherwise, the live version is best left as a stunt for daredevils, not recommended for the average person. Use extreme care and caution around the hazardous prospect of eating live scorpions.