Respect Wildlife
It is important to be aware that natural bodies of water in national forests and grasslands are habitats for various wildlife species. This includes fish, amphibians, birds, and occasionally larger animals such as beavers or even alligators, depending on the region.
While encountering wildlife is generally rare, it is always a possibility. We advise all visitors to remain mindful of their surroundings and respect the natural habitat of these animals. Swimming in these areas can be a wonderful experience, but it is important to take a few precautions:
- Stay Informed: Check with local ranger stations or visitor centers for any recent wildlife sightings or specific advisories in the area.
- Be Observant: Pay attention to signs of wildlife activity and avoid areas where wildlife is known to be present.
- Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from any wildlife you may encounter and avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.
Our aim is to ensure that visitors can safely enjoy these natural environments while preserving the habitats of the diverse wildlife that call these places home.
If you have any further concerns or need more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to the local forest service office.
Wildlife Awareness
- Where might I encounter alligators?
- Alligators live in freshwater environments like ponds, lakes, rivers, bayous, and swamps. Be alert near any body of water.
- Are alligators dangerous?
- Alligators generally avoid humans, but they can be dangerous if provoked, fed, or threatened. A fed alligator becomes a bold alligator, and that’s when risk increases. Give them plenty of space and never approach.
- How can I stay safe around alligators?
- Stay at least 30 feet away from any alligator.
- Don’t feed or harass wildlife — it’s illegal and unsafe.
- Keep pets leashed and away from the water’s edge.
- Avoid the water at dawn, dusk, or night when alligators are most active.
- What do I do if I see an alligator?
- Remain calm and observe from a distance. Do not attempt to feed or move closer. If the animal is aggressive or appears habituated to humans, report it to the local Forest Service office or law enforcement.
- How can I protect pets and children?
- Keep pets on a leash and don’t allow them to swim or drink from unknown water sources. Children should be supervised closely when near water.
- What’s the law about interacting with alligators?
- It is illegal to feed, harass, harm, or attempt to capture an alligator in Texas. Violations can result in fines and criminal charges. Help keep wildlife wild and yourself safe by following the law.
- Where are ticks commonly found?
- Ticks thrive in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas — exactly the kind of habitat you’ll find in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas. They often wait on tall grass or low shrubs to latch onto passing people or animals.
- Why should I be concerned about ticks?
- Ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. While not all ticks are infected, it’s important to take precautions and perform tick checks after spending time outdoors.
- How can I protect myself from ticks?
- Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks or boots.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or permethrin.
- Stay on trails and avoid brushing against vegetation.
- What should I do after spending time in the forest?
- Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks, especially in hidden areas like underarms, behind ears, waistbands, and hairlines.
- Shower within two hours to help remove ticks before they attach.
How do I safely remove a tick?
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Do not twist, burn, or squeeze the tick.
Texas forests are home to a variety of snakes, including non-venomous species and venomous ones like copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins), and rattlesnakes. Most snakes avoid humans and play an important role in the ecosystem.
- Where am I most likely to encounter snakes?
- Snakes may be found under logs, in tall grass, near water, or sunning themselves on warm surfaces like trails or rocks. They’re most active in spring and summer, especially during the early morning and evening hours.
- How can I avoid snake encounters?
- Stay on trails and avoid walking through tall grass or heavy brush.
- Wear boots and long pants when hiking.
- Use a flashlight at night.
- Don’t place hands or feet in places you can’t see (like rock crevices or log piles).
- What should I do if I see a snake?
- Stop and give it space. Most snakes will move away if not threatened. Don’t try to handle, catch, or kill it — it’s dangerous and may be illegal on public land.
- What if I get bitten by a snake?
- Remain calm and call 911 or seek immediate medical help.
- Keep the affected limb still and below heart level.
- Take note of the snake’s color and shape if safe to do so — this can help with treatment.
- Why are snakes important?
- Snakes help control rodent populations and contribute to a healthy ecosystem. Most are shy and want nothing to do with people — respecting their space keeps everyone safe.