List of mammals of Texas facts for kids
Texas is a huge state with many different kinds of places, from wet swamps and thick forests in the east to dry deserts and tall mountains in the west. It also has rolling grasslands in the north and central hills made of rock. All these different areas mean Texas is home to a wide variety of amazing animals, especially mammals!
This article will tell you about the mammals that live in Texas. Some of these animals have always lived here, while others were brought to Texas by people.
Texas loves its wildlife so much that it has three official state mammals: the nine-banded armadillo, the Texas Longhorn (a type of cattle), and the Mexican free-tailed bat. The state also protects many other animal species.
Contents
- Amazing Mammals of Texas
- Mammals Introduced to Texas
- Images for kids
- See also
Amazing Mammals of Texas
Armadillos: The Armored Ones
Armadillos are unique mammals mostly found in Latin America. They have a hard, bony shell that protects them.
Nine-banded Armadillo
The Nine-banded armadillo is the official state small mammal of Texas. You can find them almost everywhere in Texas, except for the very western parts. They are known for their tough armor and for digging burrows.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dasypus novemcinctus | Nine-banded armadillo | Found in most of Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Bats: Flying Mammals
Texas is home to many different kinds of bats, which are the only mammals that can truly fly!
Leaf-nosed Bats
These bats have special leaf-shaped noses that help them find food.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Choeronycteris mexicana | Mexican long-tongued bat | Only in South Texas. | Rare | ![]() |
Diphylla ecaudata | Hairy-legged vampire bat | Only one ever found in Texas. | Very Rare | ![]() |
Leptonycteris nivalis | Greater long-nosed bat | Only in Presidio and Brewster Counties. | Rare | ![]() |
Ghost-faced Bats
These bats have unique faces that help them with echolocation.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mormoops megalophylla | Ghost-faced bat | Found in western and southern Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Evening Bats
This group includes many common bats you might see.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aeorestes cinereus | Hoary bat | In forests across the state. | Common | ![]() |
Antrozous pallidus | Pallid bat | Western Texas, including the Panhandle. | Common | ![]() |
Corynorhinus rafinesquii | Rafinesque's big-eared bat | Small areas in East Texas forests. | Rare | |
Corynorhinus townsendii | Townsend's big-eared bat | Western Texas, including the Panhandle. | Common | ![]() |
Eptesicus fuscus | Big brown bat | Eastern, northern, and western Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Euderma maculatum | Spotted bat | Only in Big Bend National Park. | Rare | ![]() |
Lasionycteris noctivagans | Silver-haired bat | In forested areas statewide. | Common | ![]() |
Lasiurus borealis | Eastern red bat | Statewide, but mostly in eastern and central Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Myotis velifer | Cave myotis | Most areas of Texas, except Pineywoods. | Common | ![]() |
Nycticeius humeralis | Evening bat | Widespread, except the Panhandle. | Common | |
Parastrellus hesperus | Canyon bat | Western Texas, especially Trans-Pecos Mountains. | Common | ![]() |
Perimyotis subflavus | Tricolored bat | Most regions of Texas, except Trans-Pecos. | Common | ![]() |
Free-tailed Bats
These bats have tails that stick out past their wing membranes.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Eumops perotis | Western mastiff bat | South and West Texas. | Rare | ![]() |
Nyctinomops femorosacca | Pocketed free-tailed bat | South Texas. | Rare | ![]() |
Nyctinomops macrotis | Big free-tailed bat | Scattered areas in Panhandle and Trans-Pecos. | Rare | ![]() |
Tadarida brasiliensis | Mexican free-tailed bat | Statewide in summer, eastern population stays year-round. | Common | ![]() |
Carnivores: Meat Eaters
Texas has many different meat-eating mammals, from small foxes to large bears.
Canids: Dogs and Foxes
This family includes wild dogs and foxes.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canis latrans | Coyote | Found everywhere in Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Canis lupus | Gray wolf | No longer found in Texas. | Extirpated | ![]() |
Canis rufus | Red wolf | No longer found in Texas. | Extirpated | ![]() |
Urocyon cinereoargenteus | Gray fox | Found everywhere in Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Vulpes macrotis | Kit fox | Western Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Vulpes velox | Swift fox | Panhandle region. | Common | ![]() |
Felids: Wild Cats
Texas has several types of wild cats, though some are no longer found there.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Herpailurus yagouaroundi | Jaguarundi | No longer found in Texas. | Extirpated | ![]() |
Leopardus pardalis | Ocelot | Only in Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. | Rare | ![]() |
Leopardus wiedii | Margay | No longer found in Texas. | Extirpated | ![]() |
Lynx rufus | Bobcat | Found everywhere in Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Panthera onca | Jaguar | No longer found in Texas. | Extirpated | ![]() |
Puma concolor | Cougar | Western counties only. | Common | ![]() |
Procyonids: Raccoons and Relatives
This group includes clever animals like raccoons.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bassariscus astutus | Ring-tailed cat | Common in central and western Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Nasua narica | White-nosed coati | Recently seen in Big Bend and Padre Island. | Rare | ![]() |
Procyon lotor | Raccoon | Found everywhere in Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Mephitids: Skunks
Skunks are known for their strong smell!
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conepatus leuconotus | American hog-nosed skunk | Central and southern Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Mephitis mephitis | Striped skunk | Found everywhere in Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Mustelids: Weasels and Otters
This family includes sleek, quick hunters.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lontra canadensis | North American river otter | Eastern Texas rivers. | Common | ![]() |
Mustela nigripes | Black-footed ferret | No longer found in Texas. | Extirpated | ![]() |
Neogale frenata | Long-tailed weasel | Statewide where water is present. | Common | ![]() |
Taxidea taxus | American badger | Most of Texas, except far east. | Common | ![]() |
Ursids: Bears
Texas once had several types of bears.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ursus americanus | American black bear | East Texas forests, Trans-Pecos, and Panhandle. | Common | ![]() |
Ursus arctos | Brown bear | No longer found in Texas. | Extirpated | ![]() |
U. a. horribilis | Grizzly bear | No longer found in Texas. | Extirpated | ![]() |
Hoofed Mammals
These mammals have hooves and include deer, bison, and more.
Peccaries
Peccaries are pig-like animals.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dicotyles tajacu | Collared peccary | Western and southern Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Deer
Texas is home to several types of deer.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alces alces | Moose | Very rare visitor. | Vagrant | ![]() |
Cervus canadensis | Elk | Reintroduced to Trans-Pecos and Panhandle. | Reintroduced | ![]() |
Odocoileus hemionus | Mule deer | Western half of the state. | Common | ![]() |
Odocoileus virginianus | White-tailed deer | Found everywhere in Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Pronghorns
Pronghorns are super fast animals.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Antilocapra americana | Pronghorn | Central and Western Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Bovids: Bison and Sheep
This family includes large grazing animals.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bison bison | American bison | Reintroduced to parks and private lands. | Reintroduced | ![]() |
Ovis canadensis | Bighorn sheep | Reintroduced to Trans-Pecos mountains. | Reintroduced |
Shrews and Moles
These are small, often unseen mammals.
Shrews
Shrews are tiny, mouse-like mammals with long snouts.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Blarina carolinensis | Southern short-tailed shrew | Eastern Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Cryptotis parva | North American least shrew | Statewide. | Common | ![]() |
Moles
Moles are burrowing mammals with strong claws.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Scalopus aquaticus | Eastern mole | Eastern two-thirds of Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Manatees: Gentle Giants of the Water
Manatees are large, slow-moving marine mammals.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Trichechus manatus | West Indian manatee | Rare in Texas waters, seen along the coast. | Rare | ![]() |
Opossums: North America's Only Marsupial
Opossums are unique because they carry their babies in a pouch, like kangaroos!
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Didelphis virginiana | Virginia opossum | Most of Texas, except dry western areas. | Common |
Rabbits and Hares
Texas has several types of rabbits and hares.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lepus californicus | Black-tailed jackrabbit | Statewide. | Common | ![]() |
Sylvilagus aquaticus | Swamp rabbit | Eastern Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Sylvilagus audubonni | Desert cottontail | Western Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Sylvilagus floridanus | Eastern cottontail | Statewide. | Common |
Rodents: Gnawing Mammals
Rodents are the largest group of mammals, known for their strong front teeth.
Beavers
Beavers are famous for building dams.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Castor canadensis | North American beaver | Statewide near water. | Common | ![]() |
Porcupines
Porcupines are known for their sharp quills.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Erethizon dorsatum | North American porcupine | Western half of the state. | Common | ![]() |
Pocket Gophers
These rodents have large cheek pouches for carrying food.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cratogeomys castanops | Yellow-faced pocket gopher | Western Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Geomys arenarius | Desert pocket gopher | El Paso County. | Common | ![]() |
Geomys attwateri | Attwater's pocket gopher | Central and coastal East Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Geomys breviceps | Baird's pocket gopher | Eastern half of the state. | Common | ![]() |
Geomys bursarius | Plains pocket gopher | Northwestern Panhandle. | Common | ![]() |
Geomys personatus | Texas pocket gopher | Far southern Texas. | Common | ![]() |
Thomomys bottae | Botta's pocket gopher | Trans-Pecos and Edwards Plateau. | Common | ![]() |
Squirrels and Prairie Dogs
This group includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and prairie dogs.
- Texas antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus interpres)
- Black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)
- Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
- Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
- Fox squirrel (Sciurus niger)
- Mexican ground squirrel (Spermophilus mexicanus)
- Spotted ground squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)
- Thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus)
- Rock squirrel (Spermophilus variegatus)
Whales and Dolphins: Ocean Mammals
Many types of whales and dolphins can be found in the waters off the coast of Texas.
Right Whales
Right whales are large, slow-moving whales.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Eubalaena glacialis | North Atlantic right whale | Rare in Texas waters. | Rare | ![]() |
Rorquals
This group includes some of the largest whales, like blue whales.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Balaenoptera acutorostrata | Minke whale | Rare sightings. | Rare | ![]() |
Balaenoptera edeni | Bryde's whale | Seen yearly in shallow waters. | Common | ![]() |
Balaenoptera musculus | Blue whale | Rare in Texas waters. | Rare | ![]() |
Megaptera novaeangliae | Humpback whale | Rare in Texas waters. | Rare | ![]() |
Sperm Whales
Sperm whales are known for their huge heads.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Physeter macrocephalus | Sperm whale | In deep Gulf waters. | Common | ![]() |
Beaked Whales
These whales have unique beaks.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mesoplodon densirostris | Blainville's beaked whale | In deep Gulf waters. | Rare | ![]() |
Mesoplodon europaeus | Gervais' beaked whale | In deep Gulf waters. | Rare | ![]() |
Ziphius cavirostris | Cuvier's beaked whale | In deep Gulf waters. | Rare | ![]() |
Oceanic Dolphins
This group includes many well-known dolphins and killer whales.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Delphinus delphis | Short-beaked common dolphin | In Gulf waters. | Common | ![]() |
Orcinus orca | Killer whale | Uncommon in Texas waters. | Rare | ![]() |
Pseudorca crassidens | False killer whale | In Gulf waters. | Common | ![]() |
Tursiops truncatus | Common bottlenose dolphin | Common in Texas coastal waters. | Common | ![]() |
Mammals Introduced to Texas
Some mammals living in Texas today were brought here by people, either on purpose or by accident. These are called introduced or invasive species.
Primates
Japanese Macaque
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Macaca fuscata | Japanese macaque | Introduced to a sanctuary in Frio County. | Introduced | ![]() |
Introduced Carnivores
Red Fox
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vulpes vulpes | Red fox | Widespread, except far western and southern Texas. | Introduced | ![]() |
Introduced Hoofed Mammals
Wild Boar
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sus scrofa | Wild boar | Found everywhere in Texas. | Invasive | ![]() |
Introduced Deer
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Axis axis | Chital | Introduced to Texas. | Introduced | |
Cervus elaphus | Red deer | Introduced to Texas. | Introduced | |
Cervus nippon | Sika deer | Introduced to Texas. | Introduced | |
Dama dama | European fallow deer | Introduced to Texas. | Introduced |
Introduced Antelopes & Sheep
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ammotragus lervia | Barbary sheep | Introduced to Texas. | Introduced | |
Antilope cervicapra | Blackbuck | Introduced to Texas. | Introduced | |
Boselaphus tragocamelus | Nilgai | Introduced to Texas. | Introduced |
Introduced Rodents
Old World Mice & Rats
These rodents were brought to Texas from other parts of the world.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mus musculus | House mouse | Found everywhere in Texas. | Invasive | ![]() |
Rattus norvegicus | Brown rat | Widespread in Texas. | Invasive | ![]() |
Rattus rattus | Black rat | Found everywhere in Texas. | Invasive | ![]() |
Nutria
Nutria are large, semi-aquatic rodents.
Species | Common name | Where they live | Status | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Myocastor coypus | Nutria | Eastern two-thirds of Texas. | Invasive | ![]() |
Images for kids
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Blainville's beaked whale.jpg
Blainville's beaked whale
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Pygmy killer whale.jpg
Pygmy killer whale
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Short-finned pilot whale.jpg
Short-finned pilot whale
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Melon-headed whale.jpg
Melon-headed whale
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Atlantic spotted dolphin.jpg
Atlantic spotted dolphin
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Striped dolphin.jpg
Striped dolphin
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Clymene dolphin.jpg
Clymene dolphin
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Spinner dolphin.jpg
Spinner dolphin
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Rough-toothed dolphin.jpg
Rough-toothed dolphin