Description: Texas has some incredible wildlife. Learn about the distinct animals of the Lone Star State by looking at a few of the official state animals of Texas.
Content: Texas is a beautiful state with some breathtaking views and incredible animals. Whether you want to go camping, fishing, or tour some of the great wildlife habitats of the Lone Star State, you’ll see some marvelous creatures. To understand the wildlife in this state a bit better, learn about the official state animals of Texas and what significance they have to offer.
Texas Longhorn—State Large Mammal
The Texas Longhorn is the largest mammal in Texas and earns its spot as an official state mammal due to its history of cattle drives in the 1800s. They get their name from their wide horn width and are a staple of Texas ranching to this day.
Mexican Free-Tailed Bat—State Flying Mammal
Texas is famous for bats, with nearly 70 percent of the bat species in the United States living in Texas. If you’re looking for wildlife around Lake Travis, you should know that Austin is home to the largest bat sanctuary in the country. Tourists come to this area for bat watching and can see the place where over 20 million bats call home during the summer.
Guadalupe Bass—State Fish
When you want to learn the official state animals of Texas, sometimes you need to look under the water. Texas declared the Guadalupe Bass the state fish back in 1989, and environmentalists strive to keep the population of fish healthy and plentiful. The Guadalupe Bass is similar to many other species of bass in the state and has earned the nickname “Texas Brook Trout.”
Northern Mockingbird—State Bird
Many people know mockingbirds for their powers of imitation, frequently mimicking sounds they hear with an almost alarming degree of accuracy. An interesting fact is that Texas was the first state to declare an official state bird by electing the Northern Mockingbird in 1927.
Monarch Butterfly—State Insect
The flight of the Monarch Butterfly is a beautiful one, as every year, these insects migrate from Canada to Mexico between the seasons. They average about 50 miles per day and often stop in Texas to lay eggs. Thanks to their milkweed diet, the butterflies have an unpleasant taste that keeps them safe from most birds or reptiles.
