Texas harbors a diversity of wild animal life reflecting its varied landscapes. Encompassing over 268,000 square miles, the state acts as a confluence of North American biomes, transitioning from the humid Piney Woods of the east to the arid Chihuahuan Desert in the west, and from the Gulf Coast to the mountainous Trans-Pecos region.
The state’s ecological regions support habitats ranging from forests and grasslands to mountains and canyons. This meeting point results in a rich mosaic of ecosystems, supporting species associated with both eastern and western halves of the continent. The dramatic gradient in annual rainfall, which can range from 8 inches in the far west to over 56 inches on the coast, is a primary driver of this exceptional biodiversity.
Mammals of the Plains and Deserts
The plains and deserts of Texas are home to mammals adapted to harsh environments. The White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the most widespread and numerous large game animal, thriving across the state in wooded and brushy areas. In the rugged mountains and canyons of West Texas and the Panhandle, the slightly larger Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) replaces its cousin.
One of the most recognizable Texan animals is the Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), the state’s official small mammal, found in almost every region except the most extreme western desert. These nocturnal insectivores are known for their bony armor and their habit of digging burrows in search of food.
Another state symbol is the Mexican Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), which forms massive, world-famous colonies, such as the one beneath Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge. These bats are prodigious insect consumers, migrating seasonally between Mexico and Texas.
Common predators roaming the plains include the adaptable Coyote (Canis latrans), which has successfully colonized urban and rural environments statewide. The Bobcat (Lynx rufus) is also a common sight, a solitary feline found throughout Texas, preying on rabbits, rodents, and birds.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Texas contains a greater variety of reptiles and amphibians than any other state, with 160 species of reptiles and 71 species of amphibians recorded. This abundance is driven by the meeting of multiple climatic zones and the wide range of available habitats. The state is home to four major types of venomous snakes: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and the Texas Coral Snake.
Rattlesnakes, including the Western Diamondback, are pit vipers identified by their triangular heads and heat-sensing pits. Copperheads and Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) are also pit vipers inhabiting wooded and aquatic areas, respectively. The Texas Coral Snake (Micrurus tener), a member of the elapid family, is characterized by its distinct pattern of red, yellow, and black bands.
Beyond the venomous species, the Texas Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) is a common, non-venomous constrictor found in many habitats. The Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum), often called a “horny toad,” has a specialized diet of harvester ants and is known for its spiny crown. The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the largest reptile, inhabiting the swamps and slow-moving rivers of East Texas and the coastal plain.
The Avian Population and Migratory Flyways
Texas’s geographic location positions it as a major corridor for bird movement, lying at the convergence of the Central and Mississippi migratory flyways. Over 615 species have been recorded, with approximately 53% being Nearctic-Neotropical migrants that travel between temperate breeding grounds and tropical wintering areas.
This migratory pathway brings a massive influx of waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds through Texas twice a year. Common resident raptors include the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), frequently seen soaring over open country, and the majestic Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), found near major waterways.
The state is an important wintering ground and stopover for the endangered Whooping Crane (Grus americana), which utilizes the coastal marshes. The Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), the state bird, is a unique resident of the brush country and deserts, known for its ability to run at high speeds.
The volume of songbirds passing through makes the Texas coast a world-renowned birdwatching destination during migration periods. These aerial travelers rely on the state’s diverse habitats for rest and refueling stops.
Aquatic and Coastal Ecosystems
The coastal areas of Texas, including the Gulf of Mexico, bays, and estuaries, support wildlife dependent on brackish and saltwater environments. Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are a common sight in the nearshore Gulf waters and within the protected bays along the coast. Several species of sea turtles, including the Kemp’s Ridley, utilize Texas beaches and waters for nesting and foraging.
The estuaries serve as essential nursery habitats for commercially important finfish and shellfish. Game fish like the Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and Spotted Seatrout rely on the shallow, nutrient-rich coastal wetlands during their juvenile stages. Specialized coastal birds, such as Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) and various species of gulls, are permanent fixtures along the barrier islands and jetties.
Inland, major river systems and numerous reservoirs provide habitats for aquatic life. Freshwater anglers commonly pursue the Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) and various species of Catfish, which populate the lakes and rivers across the state. These freshwater systems are also home to unique species, such as those found in the Edwards Aquifer.