Wildlife Viewing

Teeming With Wildlife

You may see these and other species in their natural habitats when you visit a state park or state natural area.

Many plants and animals depend on state parks to stay alive and thrive. With every visit, you help protect and conserve the rich biodiversity of Texas.

Listed below are some great places to see wildlife. Or see a map of all 89 state parks.

Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.

State Natural Areas

State natural areas are some of the most valuable native habitats you can visit on public lands in Texas. These sensitive ecosystems need your help to stay healthy. Please expect more nature, less developed facilities and shorter hours.

scenic view of Honey CreekGovernment Canyon State Natural Area

Hill Country State Natural Area

Devils River State Natural Area

Lost Maples State Natural Area

 

 


Prairies and Lakes Prairies and Lakes Region

Bobcatbobcat looking at camera

This shy, nocturnal cat has small tufts on the tips of its ears. The bobcat has adapted to thrive even in landscapes near urban areas.

Lake Whitney State Park

Dinosaur Valley State Park

 

bird perched on wire fence

Scissor-tailed Fly­catcher

This kingbird has a tail that doubles its body length. It perches in the open and flies out to catch insects in midair, also known as “hawking.”

McKinney Falls State Park

Ray Roberts Lake State Park

 


Big Bend Big Bend Region

Gray Foxgray fox

This elusive, mostly nocturnal mammal can climb trees to hunt or escape danger.

Hueco Tanks State Park

Monahans Sandhills State Park

 

 

Javelinajavelina

This small, pig-like animal has a white ring around its neck, where it gets its proper name — collared peccary.

Big Bend Ranch State Park

Balmorhea State Park

 


Gulf CoastGulf Coast Region

bottle-nosed dolphinBottle-nosed Dolphin

You may see one of these curious, intelligent mammals leaping offshore or swimming in the bay along with the ferries and boats.

Mustang Island State Park

Goose Island State Park

 

 


South Texas PlainsSouth Texas Plains Region

greater roadrunnerGreater Roadrunner

This swift, animated cuckoo often runs instead of flying, whether chasing down reptiles or fleeing from danger. Its X-shaped footprint helps conceal the direction it is heading.

Choke Canyon State Park

Goliad State Park

 


PineywoodsPineywoods Region

Beaverbeaver in shallow water

This sleek, streamlined swimmer assures its water supply and establishes its territory by building a dam and home of mud, rocks and wood.

Village Creek State Park

Huntsville State Park

Red-headed WoodpeckerBird clinging to tree trunk

The red-headed woodpecker is striking at rest and in flight, by showing its colors of red, black and white. Also look for the red crest and black body of the pileated woodpecker, one of the largest woodpeckers in North America.

Caddo Lake State Park

Lake Livingston State Park

 


Hill Country RegionHill Country

porcupinePorcupine

These shy, docile rodents eat tree bark, are excellent climbers, and are known mostly for their sharp quill-tipped, bushy hair. Give them space from you and your pets.

Kickapoo Cavern State Park

South Llano River State Park

 

wild turkeyWild Turkey

This large upland game bird lives in tree-lined or brushy areas, often near streams and rivers, and although it roosts in the tops of tall trees, it nests on the ground.

Pedernales Falls State Park

Colorado Bend State Park

 

 


 

Panhandle Plains RegionPanhandle Plains

mule deerMule Deer

Found mostly in West and Northwest Texas, this hearty, hoofed animal will often appear to "hop" on all fours for a quick escape, rather than run.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Caprock Canyons State Park

prairie dogBlack-tailed Prairie Dog

These heavy-bodied, highly social squirrels live in towns divided into wards and coteries. Family members greet each other with bared teeth and "kiss" as a form of recognition. Their vacant burrows may also house owls, ferrets, rabbits, lizards and snakes.

Abilene State Park

Copper Breaks State Park

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