Austin Animals: More Than Just Your Average Critters
Austin, Texas – the city of weird, wonderful, and wildlife! You've probably heard about our live music scene, delicious food trucks, and quirky residents. But did you know that Austin is also a veritable zoo? No, not that kind of zoo. We're talking about the wild creatures that call this city home.
The Urban Jungle: A Wildlife Haven
You might be surprised to find out that sharing your backyard with some pretty interesting critters is a common occurrence in Austin. Sure, you’ve got your typical suspects like squirrels and raccoons, but let’s dive deeper into the more exotic side of Austin wildlife.
Armadillos: Nature's Little Tanks These armored wonders are like the Texas version of a hedgehog, but with a much cooler name. They waddle around looking like tiny prehistoric creatures, and if you’re lucky, you might even see one crossing the road. Just remember, they’re protected, so admire from afar.
Coyotes: The Urban Howlers Yep, you read that right. Coyotes have adapted to city life and have become surprisingly common in Austin. Don’t be alarmed if you hear a howling chorus at night. They’re just having a neighborhood watch meeting.
Bats: Nighttime Acrobatics Austin is a bat haven! Millions of Mexican free-tailed bats call the city home. It’s a truly amazing sight to see them emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset. Just be warned, they might poop on your car.
Snakes: Slithering Surprise Texas is home to a variety of snakes, and Austin is no exception. From harmless garter snakes to the more intimidating rattlesnakes, you might encounter one in your backyard. So, keep an eye out and give them some space.
Coexisting with Critters
Living in harmony with wildlife is essential in Austin. Here are some tips:
- Secure your trash: This is the number one rule for avoiding unwanted visitors.
- Bird feeders: While they’re fun to watch, they can attract unwanted guests.
- Pet safety: Keep your pets indoors at night to protect them from predators.
Remember: Most wildlife is harmless and just trying to survive. Let's coexist peacefully!
How to...
- How to avoid encounters with wildlife? Secure your trash, keep food and water sources away from outdoor areas, and trim bushes and trees near your home.
- How to safely observe wildlife? Use binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens to admire animals from a distance.
- How to help injured wildlife? Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance.
- How to coexist with bats? Seal up entry points to your home, install bat houses to encourage them to roost elsewhere.
- How to deter armadillos from your yard? Use motion-activated sprinklers or sonic deterrents.
So, the next time you’re out and about in Austin, keep your eyes peeled for our furry, scaly, and feathery friends. You never know what kind of wildlife adventure awaits!