You’ll Want To Steer Clear Of The 7 Most Dangerous Animals Found In Texas
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Sarah McCosham
Author
They say everything’s bigger in Texas — and that certainly applies to our wildlife. Texas is home to some of biggest, baddest, deadliest animals and insects in the country. Numerous species of bugs, reptiles, and mammals inhabit the 268,596 square mile, wide-open range of the Lone Star state; many of which have the potential to kill. Read on and steer clear of these seven most dangerous animals found in Texas:
Texas is home to over 100 species of snakes, many of which are venomous. Some of the most notoriously dangerous snakes in the state are copperheads, Western diamondbacks, and timber rattlesnakes. Some, like the timber rattlesnake, actually possess two varieties of venom: neurotoxic, which attacks the nervous system, paralyzing its victim; and hemotoxic, which destroys body tissue, making the snake's prey easy to digest.
The scorpions in Texas certainly follow the "bigger in Texas" mantra; adults can grow up to 2.5 inches in size, with venom known to trigger allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. These aggressive arachnids are ubiquitous in the state, and known to surprise unsuspecting Texas by hiding in shoes and dark closets.
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Perhaps the least expected animal on the list, alligators in Texas are actually quite common. With over 3,300 miles of coastlines, there's a lot of places for these notoriously vicious reptiles to hide. Found in bayous and swamps along the coast, it's best to completely steer clear. If you hear an alligator hiss, that means you're too close; and alligator attacks can be potentially fatal. Weighing in at over 1,000 pounds, they can easily drag a human underwater, and cause serious harm.
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Don't let their sweet name fool you; a "kiss" from these bugs is quite unpleasant. Also known as "Assassin Bugs," these aggressive little insects carry with them a parasitic disease, which they spread to unsuspecting victims by first injecting them with a numbing agent, and then spending 20-30 minutes feasting. Afterwards, you may feel nauseated or dizzy. In some cases, victims can develop chronic Chagas disease, leading to an enlarged heart and other cardiac and intestinal problems.
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The fire ants in Texas are no joke; following Hurricane Harvey, masses of these stinging insects swarmed the state in search of dry land. Migrating in colonies of up to 100,000, this invasive species does not mess around; fire ant bites or stings can cause intense, instantaneous pain.
The mountain lions in Texas are most commonly found in the Trans-Pecos region, as well as the brushlands of south Texas and portions of the Hill Country. While the state has relatively few reported encounters, the number has been steadily rising in recent years, and these cunning cats appear to be expanding their range into central Texas. If you encounter one in the wild, stay calm and slowly back away.
With built-in armor, the quick-moving, nine-banded armadillo is not to be messed with. Don't mistake armadillo for cute creatures, either: 20% are carriers of the microbe that causes leprosy. They can transfer the disease to humans who come into contact with them, and are responsible for about one-third of leprosy cases in the U.S. each year -- primarily in Louisiana... and Texas.
As you set out to explore Texas, be sure to respect Mother Nature's prowess, and steer clear of these dangerous animals.
Don’t let these dangerous animals deter you from visiting the great state of Texas; just be sure to proceed with caution! The Lone Star State is truly a resplendent place to explore; for proof of this, simply visit these 11 stunning natural wonders.
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