April 22, 2021

Bipartisan Bill to Help Declining Wildlife Introduced on Earth Day in Congress

AUSTIN — With as many as one-third of America’s fish and wildlife species on the brink of becoming threatened or endangered, a bill introduced April 22 on Earth Day in Congress seeks to reverse this trend, while creating thousands of new jobs and investing in the outdoor recreation economy. The bipartisan proposal has nationwide support from conservationists, hunters, anglers, businesspeople, and the outdoor recreation industry.

April 19, 2021

Los Biólogos le recuerdan al público que no toque a los animales silvestres

AUSTIN — Ahora que muchos están disfrutando pasar más tiempo al exterior en esta temporada de primavera, es posible que empiecen a notar que hay más animales silvestres en su jardín, su barrio o los alrededores.  Las especies como aves, venados y víboras están activas esta temporada del año y sus crías a menudo se pueden extraviar o parecer que han sido abandonadas.  Los expertos del Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas (TPWD) advierten que no les traten de ayudar.

Biologists Remind the Public Not to Touch Wildlife

AUSTIN- With more people enjoying the outdoors this spring season, you may start to notice more wildlife in your backyard, neighborhood or surrounding areas. Species including birds, deer and snakes are active this time of year and their young often stray or appear to be abandoned. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) experts caution against lending a helping hand.

April 15, 2021

Sixth Annual Texas City Nature Challenge Encourages Citizen Scientists to Record Nature Observations

AUSTIN – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), through the Texas Nature Trackers program, is inviting Texans to participate in the sixth annual City Nature Challenge, Friday, April 30 through Monday, May 3. This global community-based scientific effort, co-organized by San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, invites current and aspiring citizen scientists of all ages and backgrounds to observe and submit pictures of wild plants, animals and fungi using the free mobile app iNaturalist.

April 9, 2021

New Case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Confirmed in Texas, First of 2021

AUSTIN — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has received test results confirming that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease virus 2 (RHDV2) was diagnosed in a wild black-tailed jackrabbit in Cottle County. This marks the first confirmed cases of RHDV2 in a wild rabbit in Texas in 2021 and follows the discovery of the disease in domestic rabbits in Tom Green County, which was announced in a recent Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) news release. This is also the first discovery of the disease in a domestic rabbit of 2021.

Winter storm impact to Texas fish, wildlife topic of April 13 webinar

AUSTIN — The Texas Master Naturalist Program will present an “Impacts of Winter Storm Uri on Texas Fish and Wildlife” webinar on April 13 covering the storm’s impact on fish and wildlife, their recovery and fish and wildlife management efforts moving forward.

March 26, 2021

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Approves Hunting Regulations Changes for 2021-22

AUSTIN — Hunting regulations for the 2021-22 season were approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission at its public meeting held online March 25. Hunters will see some changes this fall, including the elimination of the experimental pronghorn season in the northern Panhandle and extension of the general pronghorn season from 9 to 16 days statewide, and the addition of two days of hunting opportunity in the Special White-winged Dove Days within the South Dove Zone.

March 8, 2021

Biologists Advise Cleaning Feeders to Prevent the Spread of Diseases Among Birds

AUSTIN – With spring around the corner, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists are asking residents with bird feeders to routinely clean them, and the areas surrounding them, in order to help slow the spread of potentially deadly diseases among bird species.

March 1, 2021

Chronic Wasting Disease Discovered in Lubbock County

AUSTIN – Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been discovered in a free-ranging 8 ½-year-old mule deer in Lubbock County, marking the first positive detection of the disease in the county. In coordination with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is working to develop a containment & surveillance zone in the area.

Feb. 23, 2021

Public Help Sought to Report Fish and Wildlife Impacted by Winter Storm Uri

AUSTIN – Recent snowfall and freezing temperatures affected many fish and wildlife species throughout the state and now Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is asking for the public’s help in reporting any animal mortality events they observe on their property, ranches, or in their neighborhoods through this project on the iNaturalist website. Citizens are encouraged to report observations so that biologists can better understand the impacts of Winter Storm Uri to natural resources.