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Critters

Stories and updates on some of the state’s many animals

Grasshoppers cancel baseball game in Midland in 1972
Sports |
July 28, 2022

The Night That Grasshoppers Killed Texas League Baseball

Fifty years ago, a minor league game in Midland was postponed for the rarest of reasons—a swarm of grasshoppers biblical in its proportions.

By Jeff Miller
Roxanne Ward
Texas Country Reporter |
July 21, 2022

This Quirky Hog-Callin’ Champ Was 100 Percent Herself

In 1998, Texas Country Reporter did an episode about Roxanne Ward, a champion hog caller who was quirky, kind, and so unapologetically herself we’ll never forget her.

By Bob Phillips
Kemp's Ridley Turtles Eggs Hatch on Texas Beach
Best Thing In Texas |
June 28, 2022

The Little Turtles That Could: 45 Endangered Sea Turtles Hatch in Texas

“It really is one of the greatest wildlife-conservation successes of our time here in Texas.”

By Saliha Bayrak
Sea-Turtles-Inc-South-Padre-Island-Texas-Country-Reporter
Texas Country Reporter |
May 25, 2022

My Lifelong Dream Came True at South Padre’s Sea Turtle Inc.

Texas Country Reporter paid a visit to the world-class wildlife preservation center, where a rehabilitated Kemp’s ridley turtle made a return to the sea.

By Bob Phillips
birding big year Tiffany Kersten
Critters |
May 18, 2022

A South Texan’s Wild, Life-affirming Quest to Break a National Birding Record

When she began her year-long bird-spotting adventure, Tiffany Kersten was lost and lonely. She ended up achieving a major milestone—and finding her way.

By Will McCarthy
texas species birding guide
Critters |
May 18, 2022

Twelve of Texas’s Most Stunning Birds

The elusive bat falcon, the raucous chachalaca, and the luminous violet-crowned hummingbird belong on your life list.

By Will McCarthy
Exotic-reptile-pet-show-Leander-snakes-feat
Critters |
May 16, 2022

It’s Easy to Buy a Snake in Texas. Maybe Too Easy.

Almost anyone can walk out of an exotic reptile and pet show with a snake, scorpion, or tarantula. But should you?

By Madeleine Aggeler
jellyfish texas beaches
Critters |
May 10, 2022

Jellyfish in the Gulf Are as Mysterious as They Are Painful

These translucent, stinging creatures are full of secrets.

By Juli Berwald
texas jellyfish species
Critters |
May 10, 2022

Five Texas Jellyfish—and Relatives—to Know

Brush up on (but not against!) these five gelata common to the Gulf of Mexico.

By Juli Berwald
Critters |
April 13, 2022

Go Wild at These Seven Stellar Texas Animal Sanctuaries

Listen to wolves howl, rub a hog's belly, or learn to bottle-feed a baby skunk.

By Katya Lidsky
Vampire bats might be coming to Texas
Critters |
April 7, 2022

Texans, Meet Your Adorable, Bloodthirsty New Neighbors

Given the choice between an influx of vampire bats and an influx of tech bros in Patagonia vests . . .

By Madeleine Aggeler
UT researchers have made a breakthrough in the fight against 'crazy ants'
Critters |
April 1, 2022

Apocalyptic, Acid-Spewing Crazy Ants Invaded Texas. Now Scientists Have a “Silver Bullet” to Obliterate Them.

Even nastier than fire ants, the insects disable electronics and swarm over people and animals. UT researchers have found a pathogen that destroys them.

By Will Bostwick
Peacocks at Mayfield Park in Austin
Critters |
March 10, 2022

Why Do Abandoned Peacocks Keep Appearing in an Austin Park?

Just before the start of mating season, someone dropped off three peacocks at the Austin park. The flock has been on edge ever since.

By Maya Mojica
Heather West, the Conroe woman who punched a shark
Critters |
February 23, 2022

Meet the Texas Woman Who Punched a Shark in the Face

Conroe native Heather West was snorkeling near the Florida Keys when she fought off a six-foot lemon shark.

By Rose Cahalan
Rose Cahalan's Profile Photo
Rose Cahalan

Rose Cahalan is an associate editor who focuses primarily on stories about travel and the outdoors.

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Ila Loetscher Turtle Lady
Critters |
February 22, 2022

How the Turtle Lady of South Padre Helped Save the Kemp’s Ridley

Ila Loetscher took costumed turtles on late-night TV and founded a nonprofit that has rescued thousands of the creatures.

By Lea Konczal
California-Feral-Hog-Problem-Texas-Suggestions
Critters |
February 8, 2022

California Has a Feral Hog Problem. We Have Some Suggestions.

You need a (Sid Miller–type) hero.

By Emily McCullar
Emily McCullar's Profile Photo
Emily McCullar

Emily McCullar covers pop culture, news, and Texas history. She lives for drama.

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Researcher Ashley Wahlberg with one of her tarantulas.
Critters |
January 27, 2022

The Spider Lady of East Texas Aims to Ease Your Black Widow Fears

Nacogdoches researcher Ashley Wahlberg, whose arachnid collection is nightmare fodder for many, says spiders help us more than they hurt us.

By Dina Gachman
Neuroterus valhalla discovered by Rice University researchers.
Critters |
January 26, 2022

Why Scientists Keep Discovering Strange New Wasps on the Rice University Campus

The newest species is named after the grad student pub Valhalla, on whose grounds it was found.

By Rose Cahalan
Rose Cahalan's Profile Photo
Rose Cahalan

Rose Cahalan is an associate editor who focuses primarily on stories about travel and the outdoors.

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Big Year birding Tiffany Kersten
Best Thing In Texas |
January 10, 2022

A Rio Grande Valley Woman Just Broke the U.S. Record for Most Birds Spotted in a Year

Tiffany Kersten saw 726 species in 48 states, setting a new record for the mind-boggling achievement birders call a Big Year.

By Will McCarthy
Missing tortoise comes home Daniel Guerrero
Best Thing In Texas |
December 17, 2021

Diego the San Marcos Tortoise Comes Home After 38 Days on the Lam

This is a reunion we all can shellebrate.

By Cat Cardenas
Cat Cardenas's Profile Photo
Cat Cardenas

Cat Cardenas is a writer focused on culture, entertainment, and the state’s Latino community.

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jaguarundi
Critters |
December 15, 2021

In Search of the Jaguarundi

Every year, dozens of Texans report sightings of this elusive cat. But scientists are increasingly skeptical that it’s here at all.

By Will McCarthy
Chronic Wasting Disease deer Texas
Critters |
December 7, 2021

Texas Intensifies Its Fight Against “Zombie Deer Disease”

But many breeders say the new regulations go too far.

By Wes Ferguson
Wes Ferguson's Profile Photo
Wes Ferguson

Wes Ferguson writes about the outdoors, among other things.

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Southwest Camel Conference
Critters |
November 29, 2021

At a Camel Conference in the Hill Country, Cameleers Swap Tips (and Watch Out for Slime)

Need help saddling your 1,300-pound dromedary? The Southwest Camel Conference is the place to be.

By Brittany Britto Garley
texanist
The Texanist |
November 4, 2021

The Texanist: Where Did All These Bright Green Parrots Come From?

A longtime San Antonio resident is thrilled—but puzzled—by the presence of monk parakeets in her hometown.

By David Courtney
David Courtney's Profile Photo
David Courtney

David Courtney, a.k.a. the Texanist, is a staff writer.

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Monarch butterfly migration
Critters |
November 2, 2021

Monarch Butterflies Are Migrating Across Texas. Here’s How to Raise Your Own.

You’ll need the right kind of milkweed and plenty of patience.

By Charles Scudder
The North American river otter
Critters |
October 25, 2021

River Otters Are on the Rise in Texas

The elusive, playful creature is even popping up in downtown Houston.

By Laura Furr Mericas
Texas-Squirrels-Gone-Wild
Critters |
October 21, 2021

Squirrels Gone Wild!

Why the fluffy-tailed rodents are making Texans nutty this year.

By Pam LeBlanc
Ivory-billed Woodpecker
Critters |
October 1, 2021

Goodbye to a Ghost: East Texas’s Ivory-billed Woodpecker Is Now Officially Extinct

So is a little fish that swam along the San Marcos River.

By Wes Ferguson
Wes Ferguson's Profile Photo
Wes Ferguson

Wes Ferguson writes about the outdoors, among other things.

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wooly mammoth Ben Lamm Colossal
Business |
September 13, 2021

This Texan Aims to Resurrect the Woolly Mammoth to Save the Planet

Ben Lamm’s latest company, Colossal, hopes to reverse climate change by reintroducing the long-extinct creature to the Arctic. What could go wrong?

By Tom Foster
Tom Foster's Profile Photo
Tom Foster

Tom Foster writes about business, innovation, and creative people.

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Ten Lesser-Known Texas Endangered Species in Texas
Critters |
August 25, 2021

The Ugly Ducklings: Ten Lesser-Known Texas Endangered and At-Risk Species

These humble creatures don’t have the star power of ocelots and whooping cranes, but they’re just as crucial to their ecosystems.

By Asher Elbein
christopher whiteley death mountain lion
News |
August 25, 2021

If a Mountain Lion Didn’t Kill Christopher Whiteley, What or Who Did?

The sheriff blames his death on a big cat—but animal experts aren’t buying that theory.

By Morgan O'Hanlon
The Robert L. B. Tobin Land Bridge in San Antonio.
Critters |
August 12, 2021

How Texas Wildlife Crossings Are Saving Lives and Money

From South Texas’s simple ocelot culverts to San Antonio’s pioneering land bridge, these passageways can reduce car accidents and help animals thrive.

By Patricia Sharpe
Patricia Sharpe's Profile Photo
Patricia Sharpe

Patricia Sharpe writes a regular restaurant column, Pat’s Pick, for Texas Monthly.

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vinegaroon west texas acid shooting bugs
Critters |
July 28, 2021

Do Not Fear the “Land Lobster From Hell” Skittering Across West Texas

Yes, it has fearsome pincers and shoots acid when threatened. But it’s essentially harmless!

By Allegra Hobbs
pandemic dog tips
Critters |
July 13, 2021

The Pandemic Pups Are Not All Right

As dog owners return to offices, pets are struggling with separation anxiety. We asked Texas dog trainers for their best advice.

By Taylor Prewitt
Taylor Prewitt's Profile Photo
Taylor Prewitt

Taylor Prewitt is the newsletter editor for Texas Monthly.

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state of mind podcast mimi swartz
State of Mind |
July 7, 2021

State of Mind, Episode 4: Life, in Dog Years

Mimi Swartz remembers her days caring for her father, and the dogs who took care of them both.

By Texas Monthly
texanist
The Texanist |
July 6, 2021

The Texanist: Am I the Only Person Seeing a Lot More Bugs This Summer?

A very wet spring has a San Antonio woman looking for some relief from an arthropod invasion.

By David Courtney
David Courtney's Profile Photo
David Courtney

David Courtney, a.k.a. the Texanist, is a staff writer.

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An American red wolf at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
Critters |
June 9, 2021

Red Wolves Are on the Brink of Extinction, but a Texas Breeding Program May Help Them Make a Comeback

Fewer than twenty red wolves remain in the wild. At Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, biologists are trying to change that.

By Asher Elbein
Benji Mishler at his home in Cherrywood in Austin on May 26, 2021.
Critters |
June 2, 2021

Benji Is One Down Dog

Adriene Mishler’s blue heeler, Benji, is one of the most famous canines in the country, but he hasn’t let it go to his sweet, soft little head.

By Madeleine Aggeler
Tigers on the loose in Houston and San Antonio
Meanwhile in Texas |
May 10, 2021

A Brief History of Tigers on the Loose in Texas, 2021 Edition

Joe Exotic has a lot of competition. The big cat seen roaming a Houston neighborhood this week is just the latest.

By Dan Solomon
Dan Solomon's Profile Photo
Dan Solomon

Dan Solomon writes about politics, music, food, sports, criminal justice, health care, film, and business.

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Photo illustration of alligator crossing road
Meanwhile in Texas |
April 28, 2021

How Now, Escaped Cow? And Later, Gator. Two Loose Critters Snarl Houston Traffic.

The unrelated incidents both ended safely for the animals.

By Dan Solomon
Dan Solomon's Profile Photo
Dan Solomon

Dan Solomon writes about politics, music, food, sports, criminal justice, health care, film, and business.

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Whooping Crane in the Wetland Along the Gulf Coast in the Aranasas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas
Best Thing In Texas |
April 23, 2021

Whooping Cranes Are Nesting in Texas for the First Time in Over a Century

One of the rarest birds in North America is making a comeback.

By Asher Elbein
A rooster at Clark Ostrich Farm.
Critters |
April 23, 2021

The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again?) of the Texas Ostrich Industry

In the ’90s, Texans lost their minds—and their shirts—investing in ostriches and emus. But some think the industry could take flight again.

By Asher Elbein
jonathan meiburg kneeling in grass
Critters |
April 15, 2021

Chasing Down Birds of Prey With Ornithologist and Musician Jonathan Meiburg

His new book traces the evolution of caracaras—a strange and beautiful type of falcon.

By Bryan C. Parker
DNA zoo photo illustration
Critters |
April 15, 2021

A DNA Zoo Maps the Mysteries of All Creatures Great and Small

Scientists at a Baylor College of Medicine lab in Houston are sequencing the genomes of the world’s animals, one strand at a time.

By Jeff Balke
illustration by Natsumi Chikayasu
Books |
April 5, 2021

How the Elephants at the Houston Zoo Helped an Austin Author

S. Kirk Walsh used her time with the animals and their caretakers for her new book, ‘The Elephant of Belfast.’

By S. Kirk Walsh
letter from port aransas alligator
Critters |
March 12, 2021

The Ballad of Boots and Stumpy, the Bad Boys of the Birding Center

A turf war disturbs the peace in Port Aransas.

By Madeleine Aggeler
freetail bats in texas
Critters |
March 10, 2021

Do Thousands of Bat Deaths Mean Texans Will Face a Mosquito-Ridden Summer?

Last month’s winter storm decimated the state’s populations of the winged mammals, which may have lasting ecological effects.

By Tara Haelle
axis deer in the hill country
Critters |
February 28, 2021

Axis Deer Had Overrun the Hill Country. The Winter Storm Devastated Them.

Exotic species brought to Texas from Africa and Asia fared poorly in freezing temperatures.

By Wes Ferguson
Wes Ferguson's Profile Photo
Wes Ferguson

Wes Ferguson writes about the outdoors, among other things.

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sea-turtles
Critters |
February 17, 2021

In South Padre, Texans Have Rescued More Than 4,000 “Cold-Stunned” Sea Turtles

Conservationists worked to bring the endangered animals to shore—but getting the turtles warm amid a blackout is the next challenge.

By Pam LeBlanc
muscovy-ducks-houston
Critters |
January 27, 2021

Muscovy Ducks Are Protected in Parts of Texas. A Houston Subdivision Is Debating Their Slaughter.

The birds have been waddling around the Copper Grove neighborhood for years, but now some residents are crying fowl.

By Peter Holley
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