Wildlife

Creature Feature: Turtle

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Happy World Turtle Day! Help “shellebrate” this special day dedicated to raising awareness about the endangered status of turtles and tortoises by sharing the importance of these unique creatures and inspiring others help protect them. 

Fast Facts

  • All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. The term tortoise specifically refers to terrestrial turtles or tortoises, not aquatic turtles. 
  • Turtles have been in existence since dinosaurs roamed the Earth about 200 million years ago. 
  • In Finding Nemo, Crush the sea turtle says “Hundred and fifty, dude, and still young. Rock on!” It’s true, the record for oldest turtle is 190 years old! Large land tortoises and sea turtles can live to be 150 years or more. 
  • Contrary to popular belief, only some turtles can retract their heads and tails into their shells. 

What do they look like? 

Aquatic turtles and tortoises have distinct characteristics to tell them apart. Tortoise’s feet are short and rounded so they can walk on land; their shells are more of a dome shape. On the contrary, aquatic turtles have webbed feet with claws, and their shells are flat. Colors and patterns vary depending on the species.  

There are 356 species of turtles in the world and about 34 different species in Texas. Ones common to our area are the aquatic red-eared slider, box turtle, and common snapping turtle. 

What do they eat? 

Turtles eat a wide range of foods and diets differ between tortoises and sea turtles. Generally, most turtles are omnivores, eating both smaller animals and plants. Some can be fully herbivores or carnivores. Tortoises prefer small insects including caterpillars, earthworms, and snails. They also eat fruits, nuts, flowers, grasses, berries, and mushrooms.  Sea turtles are usually carnivores. Sea turtles have a diet rich in jellyfish, sponges, crabs, and other small sea creatures. Some species also eat algae, coral, and seaweed.  

What eats them? 

Depending on where turtles live, they have many different predators. Tortoises get eaten by birds, reptiles like snakes and lizards, and mammals including dogs, raccoons, and coyotes. Some may get eaten by other turtles! Sea turtle predators include whales, dolphins, sharks, and some carnivorous fish. 

Why do we need them? 

Turtles are keystone species, which means that they are critical to the stability of the ecosystem. Unfortunately, many species of turtles are endangered and at risk of extinction. Worldwide, human actions drive down turtle populations due to water pollution, habitat destruction, pet trading, commercial fishing, and poaching.  

Here at home you can make a difference by helping to keep existing turtle habitats free from litter. Environmental Services offers numerous waterway clean-ups and litter audits – lend a hand at our next event!  

Single-use plastics like bags, water bottles, and soda caps end up in waterways and are a hazard to all aquatic life. Switching to reusable alternatives helps stop these problems at the source. There are many organizations dedicated to saving turtles that provide valuable information on what you can do to help.

Whether you’re an avid turtle lover or “turtly” on the fence, Turtle Day is a reminder that what we do matters, and we can all do something to protect these incredible creatures and their habitats. 

For more information visit: 

What To Do If You Found a Turtle 

American Tortoise Rescue 

Turtle Survival Alliance  

Turtles In Texas 

 

Click the link below to print a World Turtle Day coloring page! 

World Turtle Day Coloring Page 

Interested in learning more about local wildlife? Check out these past Creature Features:  

The Butterfly Effect – How can you help the migratory monarch?  

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National “Start Seeing Monarchs Day” is celebrated every year on the first Saturday in May.  In 2023, May 6th is a day to educate and celebrate the Monarch Butterfly.  

The Importance  

The Monarch was adopted as the Texas state insect in 1995, for its beauty and spectacular migration patterns. Texas is an important state for Monarch migration because of its location on this arduous journey. Texas is situated between the Monarch’s breeding grounds in the northern US and Mexico, where they spend the winter.  

Here in Texas, we see monarchs on the flyway in the fall and the spring, but they are not the same individuals. To put it into perspective, a flight from Canada to Mexico would take people 8 hours; for the monarch that flight takes 2 months to complete. Monarchs have managed for millennia to navigate their way across the continent, drawn by an unseen force to migrate en masse. Nearly 500,00 monarch butterflies will undertake this journey every year – the longest repeat migration in the insect world.  

The Issue  

Unfortunately, since the 1990s the population of Monarchs has declined by more than 85%, landing them on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list of threatened species. The number one reason – habitat loss. Breeding grounds throughout the US and Canada have been lost to urbanization, shrinking their habitat by 20% to 70% in the past decade. The situation is just as dire in their overwintering grounds, where deforestation to make space for urban development has destroyed vital areas of shelter. Throughout the monarch’s extensive range, pesticides and herbicides have killed butterflies and their host plant, milkweed.  

The Solution 

Protecting the monarch isn’t just about conserving a species, it’s about conserving a unique migratory phenomenon and ourselves. The term “butterfly effect” refers to the notion that small actions can have larger effects.  Even the smallest changes to your yard can help preserve this threatened species. Here are some ways that YOU can help save the monarch.  

1. Plant native milkweed 

Population decline for the monarch is inextricably linked to a decline in milkweed, the monarch’s only host plant. If monarchs don’t have milkweed they can’t complete their life cycle, forcing populations to plummet. Fortunately, there are over 100 species of milkweed in the US and over 30 species native to Texas. Some species native to our area include Antelope Horns (Asclepias asperula), Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridis), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), and Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). Planting native milkweed is the best option to help the monarch as it is adapted to our climate. By going dormant in the winter, it preserves the natural cycle for monarch migration.  

One species to avoid is tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), which is native to Mexico. While this species has risen in popularity to fill demand for milkweed, the downfall of tropical milkweed is that due to its hardiness, it doesn’t readily die back in the winter. This can confuse monarchs, signaling they have reached their destination and don’t continue to migrate to Mexico for winter. This becomes problematic if we have a hard freeze because the monarch and its caterpillars won’t survive the winter.  

The other issue with tropical milkweed is Ophryocytis elektroscirrha (OE) which is a parasite whose primary host is the monarch. If tropical milkweed is not cut back in the winter, monarchs infected with OE can leave behind spores of the parasite on the plant. Then concentrations of OE can build, infecting monarchs that subsequently visit the plant. For these reasons, the Xerces Society has named tropical milkweed a “no-grow” species. The best way to support monarchs is to find native milkweed species to plant in your landscape.  

2. Plant native plants 

While monarchs will need milkweed to lay their eggs on, during migration, they require an abundance of nectar plants to provide energy for adults as they continue their journey. While picking up your milkweed, be sure to add native nectar plants into your landscape design too. Loss of nectar-rich habitats and widespread insecticide use are also contributing to the decline of the monarch. Adult monarchs depend on diverse nectar sources for food and energy through all seasons of the year. Be sure to have a range of bloom times to ensure native nectar plants a providing a 3-season buffet for visiting monarchs. 

3. Avoid using pesticides  

Broad-spectrum insecticides and herbicides harm not only target pests, but pollinators and other beneficial insects as well. Systemic pesticides are particularly toxic as plants absorb these chemicals, toxifying their leaves and nectar which will poison visiting pollinators. If using pesticides is unavoidable for your landscape, choose the least toxic option that targets the specific problem pest and follow the label to put out no more than the recommended rate. To avoid unnecessary exposure to pollinators, avoid spraying plants in bloom, apply pesticides in the evening or at night when pollinators are not actively foraging, and don’t apply on windy days to minimize drift.

There are many alternatives to chemical pest control that can be just as effective in your landscape without harming these beneficial pollinators. Many insects are the “good guys” providing biological pest control for free! Find out how to encourage them in your own yard to reap the rewards of lady beetles, lacewings, spiders and more. Even the U.S Capital Grounds are maintained through the addition of beneficial insects to fight pests like scale. Learn to recognize these garden heroes and help prevent pests by designing your garden to work with nature.  

By planting native milkweeds, a variety of nectar plants, and avoiding the use of pesticides, you can join the growing movement of those making small changes to protect migrating monarchs and the local ecosystem. Like Doug Tallamy, author of Nature’s Best Hope has stated: “Chances are you never thought of your garden–indeed, all of your property–as a wildlife preserve that presents the last chance we have for sustaining plants and animals that were once common throughout the U.S. But that is exactly the role our suburban landscapes are playing.” 

For great resources on how to create a pollinator garden, visit the Plant for Pollinators page or email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Happy Earth Day!

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Earth Day is an annual celebration on April 22nd to promote environmental awareness. The first Earth Day was in 1970 which started the modern environmental movement. A long-lasting tradition of The Woodlands Township is the annual celebration of Earth Day. This celebration includes the GreenUp litter cleanup event back this past March. This year 611 community volunteers removed over 1,100 lbs of litter!  

Coming up on Saturday, May 13th, 2023, from 10 am – 1 pm is the Woodlands Township Earth Day Festival at Northshore Park. Bring your family and friends to celebrate mother earth with fun and educational activities. Enjoy live entertainment, face painting, games, educational displays, and meet organizations that celebrate earth day every day.  

Whether you’re outside participating in the Iron Man this weekend or prefer to stay home, The Woodlands Township has many programs and resources to help you celebrate Earth Day. Here are 8 ways to celebrate Earth Day year-round!

1. Conserve Water

Conserving water saves energy, and using less water keeps more in our ecosystems. There are many ways to conserve water from taking shorter showers, turning off the water while you brush your teeth or installing drip irrigation in your garden. Drip irrigation delivers water to your plants right where they need it most- the roots. Learn how to install a simple system yourself at this free workshop Saturday, May 20 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Register Today to save your place. 

2. Plant a Tree

Planting trees has many environmental benefits and can improve the quality of life of the community. Every February, the Woodlands Township hosts an annual community tree planting event. Learn more about the Community Tree Planting Event on the Woodlands Township website. The Woodlands Township hosts an Annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway to encourage residents to help reforest our community. If you don’t want to wait until Arbor Day, read the Environmental Services Department Native Trees article to learn the best way to plant a tree and ensure it thrives. 

3. Recycle  

Reducing waste is one of the many things you can do to help lessen your carbon footprint. Read the Recycle-More-Guide to see what and where to recycle beyond the curbside cart! Or save your hard-to-recycle items for the 3R Drive Thru. This special collections day in November gives you the opportunity to drop off items you’re not able to put in your curbside cart.  

4. Compost

One way to reduce the amount of waste in landfills is to compost. The Woodlands Township offers free backyard composting classes every year in the spring and fall. If you are interested in trying this at home, you can buy a compost bin from Environmental Services anytime. Learn more about The Woodlands Township Composting Resources here. Last October, The Woodlands Township had its first Pumpkin Smash Event. It was a Smashing success and a great way for residents to dispose of their pumpkins in an environmentally friendly manner. Find out details on the Woodlands Township Calendar. 

5. Support Wildlife

You can make a difference starting in your own backyard. The Woodlands Township has many programs, workshops, seminars, and volunteer opportunities available to help support your local wildlife. National Pollinator Week is right around the corner, with spring in full bloom there are many ways you can support our native pollinators. Planting native milkweed or nectar-producing plants is a great way to support habitats and encourage pollinators to stop by!  Additional resources are in the Environmental Services Blog. Invasive species take over the environment and cause harm to the stability of ecosystems. Join the Woodlands Township Invasive Species Task Force to help.  

6. Pick Up Litter

Keep the community clean by picking up litter in our public spaces. The Woodlands Township has trash grabbers, gloves, and trash bags available to be picked up by appointment. Also, the Earth Day GreenUp, a community clean-up event takes place every March, and again in September. Both the GreenUp and GreenUp Fall Sweep information can be found on the Woodlands Township website If you’re interested in keeping the Woodlands free of litter Adopt-A-Path is a year-round program that you can apply to join. Additional information can be found on the Adopt-A-Path webpage. 

7. Immerse Yourself in Nature

Going outdoors and educating yourself about the wonders of nature is a wonderful way to appreciate the earth. The Woodlands Township has two upcoming events that are great opportunities to learn about nature. The Great Texas Birding Classic will be held on April 29th, at the George Mitchell Nature Preserve. This event is a bird-watching competition across Texas, and the Woodlands Township has a registered team. More information about this event is on the calendar listing. If you can’t attend the Great Texas Birding Classic, we have birding backpacks available to rent year-round for those interested in birding! Make a reservation here   

Another event coming up is the Bioblitz during Pollinator Week. It is a two-part event, starting June 19 through June 25 is the week-long community effort to identify as many species as possible through the iNaturalist App. Then join the in-person event on Saturday, June 24th at Rob Flemming to continue the search in person and visit the BioBooth. Read about BioBlitz on The Woodlands Township website.  

8. Garden

There are many benefits to gardening, it improves the quality of air in the soil, provides habitat and cover for pollinators, and adds to the aesthetic of the environment. The Woodlands Township provides two home gardening classes, one in the spring and one in the fall which is coming up on August 21st, you can register here. The Woodlands Township administers community gardens, if you’re interested in a garden plot call the Environmental Services department and ask to be connected to the community garden coordinator.

There are many ways to celebrate earth day year-round. Some of those include finding ways to conserve water, planting trees, recycling and composting to reduce waste, supporting local wildlife, picking up litter, and gardening. The Woodlands Township has multiple resources to help you on your journey to becoming more environmentally friendly and connecting with your community. If you have any questions, visit The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Website or search the online library for your favorite topics.

Creature Feature: Mexican Free-tailed Bat

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Superhero crime fighters, blood-sucking vampires, quirky animated characters, and quintessential fixtures of Halloween décor; these creatures of the night are thoroughly intertwined in American pop culture. Yet, these cultural characterizations often lead to misunderstanding, fear and certainly under appreciation of these flying mammals.  Let’s dive into how bats really are heroes of the night.

Fast Facts

  • More than 1,300 species of bats worldwide. 10 species call the Greater Houston Area home
  • The Mexican Free-Tailed Bat is the official flying mammal of Texas
  • They can fly up to 60 mph and at a height of 10,000 feet
  • Bats aren’t blind! In fact, they have excellent eyesight. Their renowned echolocation ability allows them to hunt more efficiently at night and has no connection to blindness.

What do they look like?

An adult Mexican free-tail bat is about 4” long, weighs no more than .5 ounces, and is covered in short fur that ranges from red to dark brown to gray. Their long, narrow wings span between 12-14″. They have large, round ears that point forward and a snub nose. The tail is naked and extends beyond the tail membrane, earning their namesake – free-tailed.

What do they eat?

Mosquitoes. Need we say more?  Yes, mosquitoes are part of a bats diet, but they also dine on moths, beetles and other flying insects. Bats can eat their body weight in insects every night! The volume of insects that bats, in Texas, consume annually is equivalent to $1.4 billion in insect control.  Installing bat houses/roosting boxes on farms is becoming a common practice among farmers who welcome bats in hopes of reducing the need for pesticides on their crops.

What eats them?

Owls, hawks, snakes, raccoons and house cats all dine on bats.  However, the biggest threat to colonies is White-Nose Syndrome, named for the white fungus that grows on the muzzle and wing of hibernating bats.

This disease causes bats to become overly active, including flying during the day. This extra activity burns up their fat reserves which are needed to survive the winter. There is no cure for white-nose syndrome, but scientists are working to control the spread of the disease.

White nose syndrome is caused by a newly identified fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destrictan, and currently has no cure.

Where to see them

Mexican free-tailed bats arrive in Texas in early March, breed in the summer, and migrate back to the warmer temperatures of Mexico for winter. However, some do “hang around” throughout the year, roosting in large colonies. One of the best places to see bats is at Houston’s Waugh Bridge.

Removal

A single bat in your house is likely just a lost or confused bat. In most cases, they will try to leave on their own. Assist the bat by opening windows and doors. Turn off all ceiling fans and remain quiet. Have patience and allow the bat to leave unharmed.

If you have a more permanent tenant, contact a specially trained bat rehabilitator or bat rescuer. Bat World Sanctuary provides a list of people who can help. Remember bats are wild animals, and many species are protected under federal law.

Have you taken preventative steps to bat-proof your home? Check out the Bat Conservation International website for some great resources.

Interested in learning more about local wildlife? Check out these articles:  

Creature Feature: American Alligator

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One glance at their sharp teeth, hard scales, and impressive size may be enough to transport you right back to the time of the dinosaurs. Believe it or not, these prehistoric-looking creatures are occasionally found in our local waterways (typically near Spring Creek). They can also be found throughout the southern part of the United States, from east Texas all the way to the Carolinas, and always near or in fresh water, such as swamps, rivers, bayous, creeks, and marshes. Let’s learn a bit more about these cold-blooded critters, how our ecosystem benefits from them and what to do if you spot one. 

Fast Facts

  • Alligators can run up to 35 miles an hour for short distances.
  • Adult alligators can hold their breath underwater up to 45 minutes.
  • They don’t require as much food as you think. In the summer, an adult alligator may only eat once or twice a week.
  • The largest alligator harvested in Texas was a male measuring 14’ 4”, taken in Jackson County.

Let’s get acquainted 

Alligators boast the title of the largest reptile in North America; alligators in Texas are rarely more than 10’ with a maximum weight of 250-300 pounds.  While it may seem that their hard, coarse scales are merely for looks or intimidation, they actually provide protection against water loss. Alligators lay  large clutches of eggs, and the sex of the hatchlings is determined by ambient air temperatures during their 90-day incubation period; cooler temperatures produce mostly females while warmer temperatures produce mostly males. The hatchlings are approximately 9 inches long and will stay with their mom for up to two years.

What do they eat?

As top predators in freshwater systems, these reptiles eat fish, turtles, small mammals, birds, and even other alligators. Their powerful jaw muscles have incredible force, about 300 pounds per square inch! Perfect for cracking through a turtle shell, which is important because alligators don’t have molars to crush or grind their food. Instead, they have 80 conical shaped teeth, which are replaced as they fall out. An alligator may go through 2,000 to 3,000 teeth in a lifetime.

Their long, strong tails help them rapidly propel through the water to capture their prey.  They have excellent sight, smell and hearing and are very good at stalking prey without being seen.

Non-food items, such as glass bottles, brass objects, fishing line and wood are frequently consumed by alligators. Please remember that littering has a devasting impact on wildlife. Learn more from wildlife biologist Abbie Ince-Hendrickson, who shares what was found in the stomach of gators she studied in Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge.

Why do we need them?

Despite their menacing appearance, alligators play a crucial role in ecological systems. These reptiles help keep other animal populations in balance, including cleaning up nearby carrion. They are excellent at digging holes and their tails carve trails throughout marshes, creating habitat for fish and marine invertebrates. They also help control invasive species such as nutria and feral hogs.

Safety

Even though alligator sightings aren’t particularly common, it’s always smart to be cautious when in and around freshwater creeks, rivers, and other waterways. As one could guess, their powerful jaws and bite make them formidable when disturbed or threatened and they can run quickly over land to catch their next meal or defend their nesting site. Most alligators seen moving around are smaller gators that have been pushed out of their habitat by larger gators. Our most active months here in The Woodlands are April through July. Periods of extreme drought or heavy rains can result in an increase in movement.

To reduce dangerous encounters with alligators, follow these tips:

  • If you see an alligator DO NOT approach it.
  • If you hear an alligator hiss, it is a warning that you are too close.
  • Never feed alligators – it is both dangerous and illegal.
  • Don’t throw fish scraps in the water or leave them on shore.
  • Closely supervise children when playing around water.
  • Don’t allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near water that may contain alligators.
  • Keep pets on a leash and stay on approved pathways when traveling near waterways to minimize their risk. 
  • If you have a close encounter, back up slowly.

Alligator sightings can be reported to The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800, online or use 311 app on your mobile device.

Removal

Contact Texas Parks & Wildlife Department at 281-931-6471.  Game wardens can offer advice or a referral to approved companies that can remove a dangerous alligator if necessary. 

It should be noted that under the Endangered Species Act, alligator populations have made a recovery, which lead to their de-listing from the endangered species list. Despite this, they remain protected and require a special permit to hunt, raise or possess. Consult the Texas Parks & Wildlife website for regulations concerning wildlife.

Interested in learning more about local wildlife? Check out these articles