Texas, a vast state spanning over 268,000 square miles, harbors an immense diversity of animal life. Its varied geography creates a multitude of habitats, from arid deserts to coastal wetlands, supporting a rich array of species. These environments contribute significantly to its abundant wildlife populations.
Texas’s Varied Ecoregions
The diverse animal populations across Texas are directly influenced by its distinct ecoregions. The Piney Woods in East Texas feature humid, forested areas. Along the Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, flat, low-lying plains transition into barrier islands. Further inland, the Edwards Plateau, known as the Texas Hill Country, presents stony hills and steep canyons.
Moving westward, the South Texas Plains consist of thorny shrubs and trees with a semi-arid climate. The Trans-Pecos region, encompassing the Chihuahuan Desert, is defined by mountains, high plateaus, and arid conditions. In North and Central Texas, the Prairies and Lakes region includes woodlands and irregular plains. These varied conditions create specific niches for different animal species.
Mammals Across the Landscapes
Texas is home to a wide array of mammals. White-tailed deer are common across much of the state. The nine-banded armadillo, distinctive with its bony shell, is prevalent throughout most of Texas, except for parts of the Trans-Pecos. These insectivores are recognized for their unique appearance and their role in local ecosystems.
Coyotes, highly adaptable predators, inhabit various Texas environments and contribute to rodent population control. Larger predators, such as mountain lions, also known as cougars, are present, particularly in West Texas and the Hill Country, preying on larger animals like deer and elk. Bobcats are another common wild cat species found across the state. Black bears exist in areas like Big Bend National Park, though their populations are small.
Texas boasts a significant bat population, with 32 of the 47 U.S. bat species found there, earning it the nickname “the battiest state.” The Mexican free-tailed bat is particularly abundant, forming large colonies and serving as the state’s flying mammal. Other common bat species include the big brown bat, eastern red bat, and evening bat, all playing a role in insect control. Mule deer and pronghorn inhabit the more arid, open plains and desert areas, with pronghorn being the fastest land mammal in Texas. Elk, one of the largest mammals, are also found in certain wooded and mountainous areas.
Reptiles, Amphibians, and Aquatic Life
Texas supports a diverse population of reptiles and amphibians, including numerous snake, lizard, and turtle species. The state is home to 15 species of venomous snakes, primarily pit vipers and coral snakes. Pit vipers, which include rattlesnakes, cottonmouths (water moccasins), and copperheads, possess heat-sensing pits. Rattlesnakes, such as the western diamondback, are widespread in drier areas, while cottonmouths prefer aquatic habitats in the eastern half of the state. Copperheads are common in wooded regions.
Texas coral snakes, with their slender bodies and alternating red, yellow, and black rings, are less aggressive but have potent venom. Many non-venomous snakes also inhabit Texas, including garter snakes and various water snake species. Lizards are plentiful, with the Texas spiny lizard being one of the most commonly observed. Whiptail lizards, anoles, geckos, and skinks are also commonly found across different habitats.
The state’s turtle populations are varied, encompassing freshwater species like snapping turtles and sliders, and terrestrial ones such as box turtles and the Texas tortoise. Snapping turtles are found in most freshwater bodies, while red-eared sliders are common throughout the state in slow-moving waters. The Texas tortoise is the state’s only native tortoise species. American alligators are abundant in the eastern third of Texas, thriving in coastal marshes, rivers, lakes, and swamps. Freshwater fish like bass and catfish are common in Texas rivers and lakes.
Birds and Invertebrates of Texas
Texas is a significant region for both resident and migratory bird species, hosting over 540 bird species. The state’s diverse habitats provide important stopover points and wintering grounds for many avian travelers. Iconic Texas birds include the Northern Mockingbird, which is the state bird. Common raptors like hawks and bald eagles are also present across various landscapes.
Waterfowl are particularly diverse, with species such as mallards, blue-winged teals, and northern pintails commonly found in wetlands, lakes, and coastal areas. Many of these ducks are migratory, spending winter months in Texas. Songbirds are abundant.
Invertebrates also form a substantial part of Texas’s animal life. Scorpions are notable, with 18 described species found in Texas; the striped bark scorpion is the most widespread. While their stings can be painful, none of the scorpion species in Texas are considered medically dangerous to humans. Tarantulas are among the larger spiders found in the state. Various insects, including numerous butterfly species and beetles, further contribute to the state’s invertebrate diversity.