Warmer weather brings more opportunities to take advantage of our beautiful Texas landscape. Hiking trails are prevalent in Texas, and with over 70 state parks, there is no shortage of places that can provide the perfect escape for you and your family. Visit Texas Parks and Wildlife to find state parks near you. And before you head out on those trails, check out some tips to keep yourself and the wildlife safe.
As you’re enjoying the hiking trails, you will find many plants and flowers that decorate the area around you. While some, like bluebonnets, are not dangerous, you need to be aware of some that are and what you can do if you encounter these types of flora. For example, poison oak and poison ivy are found throughout Texas and can be harmful if you’re not careful. If you do encounter poison ivy or poison oak, the best thing to do is wash the area immediately with rubbing alcohol and rinse with cool water. Ensure there are alcohol wipes in your first aid kit before hiking. You may also come across a variety of mushrooms that, although stunning to look at, can be dangerous if ingested or touched. The best advice is to leave any mushrooms and plants alone and enjoy their beauty from afar. Taking a photo to enjoy later is the best way to interact with plants you’re unsure about.
Just like plants, wildlife is all around you and requires space and respect. Spiders, scorpions, and snakes can be found all over Texas trails and while some are harmless, others can pose a risk of severe illness. Two of the deadly spiders found in Texas are the brown recluse and black widow; however, the striped bark scorpion is the animal you will see most often on Texas trails. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings, especially where you sit and where you set up your camp. While walking on the trail, try to refrain from picking up rocks or logs where these animals tend to make their homes.
When it comes to snakes, your location will determine which types you will encounter throughout Texas. The three most dangerous in our region are the western diamondback rattlesnake, the cottonmouth, and the copperhead. Avoid these while hiking, as their bites can leave victims feeling extremely ill if not treated immediately. While most snakes will only bite due to reflex and many retreat once they hear footsteps or loud noises, if you do come across one, the best advice is to keep your distance and walk away.
Lastly, you may observe wild mammals such as coyotes and cougars while hiking on Texas trails. Many of these animals tend to isolate themselves and rarely try to get near humans. However, there are times, especially during springtime, that these animals will frequently be out during the day looking for food. A good tip if you happen to see a cougar or coyote is to not turn your back and run away. These animals often interpret running away with prey, so that could cause them to come after you. The best thing to do is to look at their feet (so as not to appear aggressive) while you slowly back away from the animal. If the animal does appear to be aggressive, make your appearance larger by waving your arms over your head and making loud noises. You can learn more about cougars by watching this Texas Parks & Wildlife video.
Our last bit of advice is especially important to be aware of, and that is to check weather updates before going on your hike. Texans often say, “If you don’t like the weather in Texas, wait five minutes.” Watching your local news forecast and checking weather apps before, during, and after your hike will ensure you enjoy safe, sunny weather and are prepared in case things change. Another important tip is to pay attention to your surroundings, as trees often fall due to high winds. There may be some downed trees after storms as well, so make sure to visit your local parks page or the Texas Parks & Wildlife website for conditions of specific parks and trails. Lastly, you want to be aware of any potential rain that may occur, as flash floods are prominent in Texas.
Hiking in Texas during the spring offers opportunities to see wildlife in action, smell the aroma of freshly bloomed flowers, and enjoy the nature that makes this state so great. From the deserts in West Texas to the rolling hills of Central Texas to the forests of East Texas, there are many different environments to dive into. Following these tips will help ensure you have a fun and safe adventure with your family no matter where you go.
