TPWD News Releases

Game Warden Field Notes, April 26, 2023

Turning ‘Lights Out’ Across Texas Helps Birds Migrate Safely

AUSTIN — Spring is the peak time for bird migration through Texas, but the bright lights of cities and towns can confuse birds as they fly to their northern breeding grounds. Texans are encouraged to help our winged friends on their journey by turning “Lights Out” at night across the state from April 22 through May 12.

TPWD Cautions: Don’t Handle Wildlife, Especially Babies

AUSTIN — Spring has sprung. With extended sunshine and milder days, more people are enjoying the outdoors as native wildlife adds new fawns and hatchlings to their broods. Texans may start to notice more wildlife in their backyard, neighborhood or surrounding areas. The best thing to do is to leave them alone.

Hunting Prospects Favorable this Spring in Areas with Historically Strong Turkey Populations

AUSTIN – While the 2022 drought and heat have reduced wild turkey numbers across Texas, hunters who hit the field this spring should see plenty of birds in areas that typically house huntable populations of wild turkeys.

2023 Bird City Texas Recipients Announced

AUSTIN – Audubon Texas and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) are excited to announce Austin and Cedar Hill as the newest additions to the Bird City Texas flock. This certification program recognizes cities efforts to ensure birds, wildlife and people thrive in their communities. Austin and Cedar Hill have displayed leadership as Bird Friendly Cities by excelling in three criteria areas: community engagement, habitat enhancement and protection and creating safer spaces for birds. Their Bird City Texas certification will continue through 2026.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week Feb. 20-26 Promotes Action to Combat Harmful, Non-Native Plants and Wildlife

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) asks Texans to join the fight against invasive species that negatively impact the state’s natural resources and economy. National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), slated for Feb. 20–26, is an initiative to raise awareness of the threats and provide solutions on how to prevent the spread of invasive species.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Extends Effective Date for Lesser Prairie-Chicken Listing Under the Endangered Species Act

AUSTIN – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) officials encourage landowners to take advantage of a 60-day U.S. Fish & Wildlife (FWS) endangered species listing extension and consider enrolling in one of the conservation programs that provide protections from federal regulations and exemption from consequences of incidental “take” under the Endangered Species Act.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Awards $9.8 Million in Local Park Grants

AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than $9.8 million in local park grants to help create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Confirmed in Texas Near El Paso

AUSTIN — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received test results last month confirming diagnoses of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease virus 2 (RHDV2) in two desert cottontail rabbits and one black-tailed jackrabbit in El Paso County. This marks the first confirmed cases of RHDV2 in wild rabbits in Texas this winter.

TPWD Responds to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Decision to List the Lesser Prairie-Chicken

AUSTIN— Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) executive director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. said Wednesday he applauds 16 years of “tremendous” voluntary collaboration with private landowners and industry to conserve lesser prairie-chicken habitat and reiterates the department’s opposition to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listing the species.