Rock Dove Cave facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rock Dove Cave
Rock Dove Cave - formation
Location	San Antonio, Texas, United States
Discovery	January 2013
Access	Private

Rock Dove Cave is a large cave located in San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was discovered in 2013 by two local boys exploring land that was being developed for new homes. Experts believe it is the fifth largest cave in Bexar County.

Discovering Rock Dove Cave

The discovery of Rock Dove Cave happened in January 2013. Two boys, Ethan and Brendon, were exploring land near a new housing development called Ridge at Lookout Canyon. They found the cave, which was a big surprise!

After the boys found the cave, the company developing the land, McMillin Homes, told the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) about it. This is an important step to make sure natural features like caves are protected.

Protecting the Cave Entrances

To keep the cave safe, the developers put special grates over some of its entrances. They also sealed off a larger opening. This helps protect the cave from damage and keeps people safe.

Initially, there were questions about whether future homeowners would know about the cave under their properties. However, McMillin Homes has stated that they will tell all potential buyers about the cave and what engineers have found about it.

Why This Cave Is Important

Rock Dove Cave is very important to scientists. They believe it might hold clues about the Edwards Aquifer, which is a huge underground water source for the area. The cave could also be home to endangered species that live only in caves. Studying the cave can also give us important information about the geology of the region.

Unfortunately, the cave has faced some challenges. It has been damaged by construction work and by people exploring it without proper care. Features like delicate soda straws, stalagmites, and stalactites have been broken. Geologists are worried about the cave's future and want to make sure it is protected from further harm.

Gallery