Keep Parker County Wild!

As more and more people move to Parker County, and more habitat loss occurs due to development, it is becoming increasingly important that wildlife habitat be conserved.

For more information about preserving natural areas, visit the Natural Area Preservation Association's website at www.napa-texas.org.

 

 

< Back to the Nature page

Wildlife at the Poor Farm

Turkeys, snakes, and more

Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)As a native wildlife habitat, there are all kinds of critters at the poor farm. There are deer, feral hogs, and turkeys, as well as cottontail rabbits, snakes, and many types of birds. To the right is a photo of a cottontail that I saw at the poor farm.

Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus)The Copperhead Snake (Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus) shown to the right was found in the riparian area. My dad and I were just walking along, and we came across an old piece of tin laying on the ground. My dad commented on how old pieces of tin are good hideouts for snakes, when I suddenly spotted a curled-up copperhead on some dead branches and leaves. I immediately took pictures of it (although not too close up!). I thought it was so cool to get so close to a venomous snake in the wild!  However, my dad stayed well away from it.

The hognose snake as we first found itThat same day, we were walking back to the pickup on one of the dirt roads at the poor farm, and we came across a Hognose Snake (Heterodon platyrhinos). Cobra mimic! These snakes are so fascinating. When we first came up to it, it was just slithering across the road. However, as soon as it was aware of our presence, it reared up in striking position, flattened its head like a cobra, and began hissing. If you didn't know any better, you'd be convinced that it was a highly venomous snake, ready to bite you. Although these snakes are slightly venomous, they will not bite, even when striking! When the hognose found that we were not scared, it went to plan B: playing possum. The "dead" hognose snake It flipped over on its back, squirmed a little bit, and then stuck its tongue out. It was very convincing, and it really did look dead! After taking a few more pictures, we left it alone. I'm sure it came back to life not long after that.

 

chorus frogTo the right is pictured another interesting herp, which I saw along a trail near Sam Savage Mountain.  It is a Strecker's Chorus Frog, or Pseudacris streckeri.

Since the planned 190-acre nature center is untouched wilderness, there are all kinds of wildlife living in and around the land. It is important that the habitats be preserved for the continuance of this wildlife, as well as for the citizens of Parker County to enjoy watching the wildlife.

 

 

Web Design by  Benjamin Bruce         Contact us         About this website