Wild Thing

Vinegaroon climbing over rocks with a whip like tail
March 2024 Issue

Vinegaroons Sport Whip-Like Tails and Spray Acid

These weird and wonderful arachnids live in West Texas.

Story by Bill Rhodes
An armadillo walks along a dappled-sunlit trail
May 2023 Issue

Meet the Critters of Texas State Parks

Our public lands are where the wild things are.

Story by Susan Griswold
Brown Texas cane toad sitting on the ground with greenery in the background.
June 2020 Issue

This Is America's Biggest Toad

South Texas’ cane toad has bragging rights as North America’s largest.

Story by Paul Crump
close up on a black and white owl face
March 2020 Issue

Texas' Owls Provide Nocturnal Pest Control

Texas' 17 species of owls provide nocturnal pest control.

Story by Cliff Shackelford
Bobcat crouching at the edge of the water with wood in the distance
January/February 2020 Issue

City Cats: Bobcats Are Adapting to Urban Areas

The city might seem to be an unlikely place for a bobcat, but wild cats are finding ways to thrive.

Story by Mary Schmidt
peregrine falcon flying through blue skies
March 2019 Issue

Peregrine Falcons Are The World’s Fastest Animal

Speedy peregrine falcons can dive-bomb prey in midair.

Story by Kayla Meyertons
Texas Brown Tarantula climbing on a piece of wood
July 2015 Issue

Tarantula Hunter: Tarantula-Hawk Wasps

While these wasps may frighten tarantulas, we have little to fear except a painful sting.

Story by Ben Hutchins
Texas Brown Tarantula climbing on a piece of wood
July 2015 Issue

Tarantula Hunter: Tarantula-Hawk Wasps

While these wasps may frighten tarantulas, we have little to fear except a painful sting.

Story by Ben Hutchins
the invasive lionfish swimming against a purple background
December 2013 Issue

Invasive Lionfish Are Spreading Fast in the Gulf

Can we eat our way out of the latest invasive problem?

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Roly-poly (pillbug) crawling on dirt
October 2009 Issue

Roly-Poly Pillbugs Aren't Actually Bugs — They're Crustaceans

Neither pill nor bug, these critters are favorite playmates of many generations of Texas children.

Story by Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
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The October 2024 cover of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, featuring a surfer riding a wave along the Texas Gulf Coast

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