This large scorpion is the biggest scorpion in North America at up to 14 cm long.While the Giant Hairy Desert scorpions are venomous, their venom is not strong enough to be fatal to a human.

Their stings are often compared to the feeling of a bee sting. These scorpions are not extremely aggressive or territorial, and will often only attack when threatened or provoked. This species is nocturnal and escapes from the heat of the day by hiding under rocks or in small rodent burrows.