Forests and swamps
Northeast Texas is covered with dense pine forests and numerous lakes and swamps, containing a rich biodiversity. The king of the swamps is the alligator. It can be found from the Sabine River to the Gulf of Mexico, and along the swampy coast to the Rio Grande. These same swamps are home to many reptiles, including American bullfrogs and several species of non-venomous and venomous snakes, such as the water moccasin. The swamp flora consists of marsh grasses, palms and pines.
The forests of Piney Woods contain many species of trees, such as dogwoods, pines, texas redbuds and magnolias, and are inhabited by wild boar, coyotes and raccoons. There is also the endangered red wolf, which is difficult to encounter in its natural habitat. The few survivors live between Houston and Beaumont.
96 different species of snakes
With up to 96 species and subspecies, Texas has the widest variety of snakes in the United States. This is partly due to the wide variety of terrain and habitats, from dry desert to coastal waters. We won't enumerate the list, but it's important to know the most common snakes. Fear not, most of them are non-venomous!
Texas Garter Snake. This is a very common snake. The Texas Garter Snake can be up to 60 centimetres long, is very slender, and contains two yellow stripes running the length of its body, as well as a thin red stripe. It is often found near water. It is venomous but not fatal.
Hognose Snake. They prefer arid, sandy environments, such as the desert or semi-desert regions of Texas. They are generally no longer than 60 cm, and have brown and olive-green bodies with dark spots on their backs. They have flat noses, helping them to bury themselves in the sand.
Diamondback Water Snake. These aquatic snakes are often found in groups near water. They can reach up to 2 m in length. They are not venomous, but can cause pain.
Rattlesnakes. There are more than nine varieties of rattlesnake in Texas, called rattlesnakes, but don't worry, they don't claim many victims. The most important thing to know is that a rattlesnake makes a crackling sound with its tail. If you hear it, turn around and walk away.
The copperhead snake is very well camouflaged. Inhabiting the plains and semi-desert areas of Texas, its camouflage is russet and brown. They're venomous, and you'll hear them before you see them, but they're not aggressive.
Western Cottonmouth. These "cottonmouth" snakes are also sometimes called water moccasins. They are aquatic and are most often found near water, and are more common in the eastern part of the state. Their mouth is their identifier, with a white spot under the chin or on the side of the mouth. They have arrow-shaped heads and can reach up to a meter and a half in length. When they feel in danger, they tend to open their mouths wide.
Wildflowers and meadows
Central Texas, such as the Hill Country, is covered in thousands of wildflowers every year between March and April. A sea of bluebonnets, red indian paintbrushes, mexican hats and pink evening primroses carpet the green hills of the central Texas prairies. This sumptuous landscape is also populated by white-tailed fallow deer, making Texas the state with the largest number of them. The capital of Texas wildflowers is DeWitt County, southeast of San Antonio, which is well worth a drive if you're there in season! The same region is home to large oaks, red cedars, mesquite and huisache shrubs (a variety of mimosa) and nopal. Raccoons, wild boar and coyotes live here.
Desert areas
South and West Texas are very arid, desert or semi-desert regions. These sparsely wooded areas are home to shrubs and cacti. With only 20 centimetres of annual precipitation, long hot summers and generally cloudless skies, the Trans-Pecos region produces only drought-resistant vegetation without irrigation, consisting mainly of lechuguilla, ocotillo, yucca, cenizo, prickly pear and other dryland plants. Even the desert is in bloom in spring, with prickly pears and their delicate pink, yellow and orange petals. Likewise, theocotillo (or climbing cactus) produces blood-red flowers. The area is also home to mountain lions (pumas), which can grow to over a metre in length and 76 cm in height. Beware of scorpions: shake your shoes before putting them on!
From New Mexico
New Mexico, too, is home to flora and fauna adapted to drought or mountains, amid a landscape even wilder than most of Texas. There are coyotes, mountain lions and black bears. It's common to hear coyotes howling at night, often traveling in packs. The bobcat is unique to New Mexico and is an endangered species. Another emblematic species of the region is the roadrunner . This running bird can reach 60 cm in height and weighs no more than 340 grams, making it a lively bird. If you want a visual reference, think of the cartoon Bip Bip and coyote . They also exist on the border between the two states. They're often seen on the highways, amid the desert landscapes of the Southwest. As in Texas, there are also many snakes, the rattle-snake being fairly common, as well as scorpions. We'd advise you to give your shoes a good shake before putting them on - you never know what might have slipped in, and it's best to avoid unpleasant surprises!
