Wildlife

Life in The Woodlands brings the discovery and adventure of nature to our back door. The 1,800-acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve and more than 3,000 acres of open space reserves provide habitat for a diverse wildlife population. Many local species, like opossums, armadillos and hummingbirds, are unique to the Americas.

Nature photography, critter watching and butterfly gardening provide countless hours of recreation to residents of all ages. The diversity of birds, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, attracts birdwatchers from around the globe.

Wildlife are the native inhabitants of The Woodlands and perform a vital role in our environment. Living in harmony with foraging wildlife requires a little planning and sound property management.

Birding Backpack Program

The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department offers free daypacks to residents, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the fun and rewarding experience of birding. Birdwatching is a great way to connect with nature, observe local wildlife, and explore the beautiful outdoor spaces in The Woodlands. These daypacks provide everything you need to get started, encouraging residents of all ages to discover the joy of birding.

  • Who can borrow a backpack?
    Residents 18 and older may borrow a backpack for up to one week.
  • What’s included?
    Vortex Diamondback HD 8x32 binoculars, bird identification guides (Spanish version available), local birding checklist, park and pathways map, folding chair, and note-taking supplies.
  • How do I reserve a backpack?
    Please call The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park at 281-516-7348 to reserve a backpack for your next adventure.

Egrets

Graceful, long-legged water birds, egrets and herons nest communally in colonies called rookeries or heronries. Hundreds to tens of thousands of individuals representing three to five species come together during nesting season from late winter through mid summer. Despite abundant natural habitat, colonial nesting waterbirds have created a rookery in the Wedgewood Forest area. When wildlife loses its innate fear and adapts to close contact with humans, problems arise.

Egret Problem and Solution

Despite abundant natural habitat, colonial nesting waterbirds have created a rookery in the Wedgewood Forest area. When wildlife loses its innate fear and adapts to close contact with humans, problems arise.

  • In 2008, the colony had over 100 nests and an estimated 500 birds.
  • Noise and odor from the volume of guano, regurgitated food and fallen nestlings are a nuisance and may pose a health concern.
  • In December, birds begin nesting in tall trees, usually returning to a previous site with growing numbers each year.

Before egg laying, birds can be persuaded to move. In consultation with wildlife biologists, Parks and Recreation Department developed an Action Plan:

  • Old nests were removed and trees were pruned at Wedgewood Park. Residents were advised to do likewise.
  • When birds arrive, a combination of low-impact methods in a highly randomized pattern will be used to make the area undesirable to them.
  • Broadcasting distress and predator calls, laser lights and water may be used to discourage nesting in the residential area.
  • Some noise is unavoidable.

What You Can Do

It is impossible to predict where the egrets and herons will go. Residents should monitor tall trees, particularly at dawn and dusk. To persuade birds to move, try these techniques: making loud noises (banging pots and pans, drums, etc); using light and movement (strobe or laser lights, tennis balls tossed in air); using water (high pressure water hose, motion activated sprinklers).

Note: Once birds nest, they must be left alone. Protected by the Federal Migratory Birds Treaty Act, nesting birds, their young, eggs and active nests cannot be disturbed in any way under penalty of law.

Feral Hogs

In The Woodlands, residents may occasionally encounter feral hogs in wooded areas. Keep your distance and report sightings to local authorities for safety. Avoid approaching or feeding them.

Description

Appear similar to domestic pigs. Adults may reach a shoulder height of 36 inches and weigh from 100 to over 400 pounds. European wild hogs are similar in size but have a brownish color with grizzled hair on back, sides, ears and tail. Have relatively poor eyesight but have keen senses of hearing and smell.

Generally travel in family groups called sounders, comprised normally of two sows and their young. Mature boars are usually solitary, only joining a herd to breed. Under normal conditions, a feral hog population can double in just four months. Sows are capable of breeding at six months of age and can produce up to 2 litters per year.

Feral hogs are an invasive species introduced over 300 years ago. Few predators are capable of preying upon large, healthy adult feral hogs. Younger feral hogs can become prey to animals such as coyotes, bobcats, and foxes.

Diet

Feral hogs are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Very opportunistic feeders, eating most plant and animal matter that is available to them including grasses, forbs, roots and tubers, fruits, mushrooms, insects, earthworms, reptiles, amphibians, carrion (dead animals), live mammals and birds. Especially fond of acorns and domestic agricultural crops. They feed primarily at night and during twilight hours.

Where Found in The Woodlands

Could be sighted anywhere within The Woodlands. Prefer dense vegetation with water nearby. Concentrate in areas of food availability, especially where there are nut producing trees or agricultural crops.

Human Impacts
A physical attack by a feral hog is highly unlikely as they prefer to flee rather than fight. May become aggressive when cornered or when a sow and her litter are separated. Can cause significant damage to landscaping as they seek out food such as acorns, grass roots, gardens, and flower bulbs.

Environmental Impacts

Feral hogs greatly impact native plants and wildlife. Rooting, trampling and wallowing destroys vegetation and destabilizes riparian areas. Soil compaction and erosion, spread of invasive vegetation, water quality degradation, and disruption of the nutrient cycle ensues. As well, feral hogs prey on young animals, especially ground nesting bird nests, compete for their food sources and can spread disease and parasites.

Reducing Impacts Around the Home

Properly-maintained fencing will keep feral hogs from entering your yard. Attaching net wire fence that is flush to the ground works well. Fences need not be higher than 36 inches.

If feral hogs are entering an unfenced area, remove their food sources – rake up acorns, remove bulbs, fence off your garden. Chasing them off will prove effective in the moment but they are likely to return and likely at night. No chemical repellants are currently labeled for use. Physical deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic animal repellants have not been proven effective.

Trapping is a common method to control feral hogs though often not completely effective, entire sounders are difficult to catch, and remaining individuals may return. Contact your local Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension Biologist or Technician for technical assistance and, in some cases, direct control of feral hogs (contact info below).

Regulations

Feral hogs may be killed or trapped on private property without a State of Texas license or permit with landowner consent. Discharge of firearms of any kind within The Woodlands Township is not permitted.. If a landowner or their agent plans to trap or snare hogs they should have a valid Texas hunting license, since these activities could affect other wildlife species. For additional regulations governing hunting and control of feral hogs consult the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.

Transportation and release of live feral hogs is unlawful, unless in compliance with Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) regulations. The TAHC regulates the movement of feral swine for disease-control purposes. For more information, consult the Texas Animal Health Commission website.

Who to Contact

Bees

More than butterflies or hummingbirds, bees are the number one animal pollinator of food crops, wildflowers and ornamental plants. The Woodlands provides abundant habitat not only for colony dwelling, European honey bees, but also for innumerable species of solitary native bees.

Occasionally sighted in spring, a honey bee swarm signals that a queen has left the hive with a large number of workers to establish a new hive. When scouting for a site, the swarm may rest on a tree or side of a building. While alarming, swarming bees are generally not aggressive and will usually move on if left alone.

Things to Remember

  • Always use necessary safety precautions(PDF, 248KB) when around a swarm or hive.
  • Swarming bees may form a large “ball” with the queen in the middle.
  • The swarm is seeking a new home.
  • Aggressive behavior is generally associated with defense of a hive. Swarming bees have not established a hive yet; there are no eggs or larvae to protect.
  • Distinguishing between a bee and a wasp can be tricky; wasps can sting repeatedly as opposed to some bees that lose their stinger once it is used.
  • Bees may build a hive in the hollow of a tree or in the eaves, behind loose boards in a wall or under the roof of a house or structure if they can gain access.
  • Less than one percent of the population is allergic to bee stings. However, it is always better to be safe.

Bee Removal and Beekeeping Resources

Pollinators

Due to pressures, honey bees and native pollinators are in decline. Planting to attract pollinators is a growing trend in gardening. Due to our comparatively mild winters, The Woodlands provides a year round home for honey bees as well as solitary native bees and bumble bees. Visit the links below to learn more about pollinators and pollinator gardens:

Coyotes

In The Woodlands, coyotes may be seen in natural areas or even neighborhoods. For safety, avoid approaching them and keep pets secured. If you encounter a coyote, make noise to scare it away and report sightings to local authorities.

Range

Extensive across US and expanding into urban areas. Capable of surviving in rapidly changing environments.

Description

Similar in size to small German shepherd; 25 - 40 lbs; long slender legs, bushy tail with black tip; tail held down; color ranges from buff to reddish to grey.

Diet

Fruit, insects, carrion, small rodents, rabbits, deer, household garbage, pet food & water. May at times prey on pets, domestic livestock and poultry.

Social Structure

Mated male and female with off-spring; mostly travel alone, may form loose packs at times.

Benefits

Important for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Help control rodent populations. Support bird populations by controlling their predators. Reduce disease by scavenging animal carcasses and controlling disease carrying animal populations.

Regulations

State regulations govern all hunting, trapping and transporting activities. All local ordinances must be followed, as well. Consult Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) 512-389-4848: Nongame, Exotic, Endangered, Threatened & Protected Species

Coyote Behaviors and Recommended Responses

Coyote Action Recommended Response
  • Coyote heard.
  • None. Coyotes communicate by vocalizing.
  • Coyote seen moving or resting in area.
  • Normal behavior. Provide location to Township.
  • Coyote seen resting in public area with people present.
  • Coyote entering yard to a home.
  • Haze the animal (see below).
  • Practice pet safety (see below).
  • Conduct a yard audit. Have neighbors audit their yards (see below).
  • Notify Township for tracking purposes (info below).
  • Coyote entering yard and attacking an unattended pet in a yard or in open space.
  • Call 3-1-1 to report incident. Details will be relayed to TX Wildlife Services for follow-up.
  • Haze the animal (see below).
  • Practice pet safety (see below).
  • Conduct yard audit. Have neighbors audit their yards (see below).
  • Notify Township for tracking purposes (info below).
  • Coyote following or approaching a person in an open space with our without a pet.
  • Coyote entering yard or home while people present; no injury occurring.
  • Coyote biting or injuring attended pet/pet on leash.
  • Coyote aggressive, showing teeth, back fur raised, lunging, nipping at a person.
  • Call 3-1-1to report incident. Details will be relayed to TX Wildlife Services for follow-up.
  • Haze the animal (see below).
  • Practice pet safety (see below).
  • Conduct yard audit. Have neighbors audit their yards (see below).
  • Notify Township for tracking purposes (info below).
  • Coyote biting or injuring person.
  • Call 9-1-1
  • Follow steps from above.

Hazing Techniques

  • In the outdoors: Slowly and calmly walk away. If approached, DON’T RUN. Wave arms, make noise and walk toward the coyote until it retreats. Thrown rocks and sticks can be effective. Be “Big, Bad and Loud.”
  • Near home: Do not approach animal. Wave arms and make loud noise (air horns, car horns, banging pots and pans, whistles). Thrown rocks and sticks (toward but not at animal) and water hoses can be effective.

Pet Safety

For more information, please view Dogs and Coyotes.

Yard Audit

View the checklist flyer(JPG, 261KB).

Download TheWoodlands311app service request system. (This will pinpoint location and allow for comments)

Resources

Animal Services

The Woodlands Township does not provide animal control services. For assistance with issues such as stray animals, animal bites, lost or found pets, or aggressive wildlife please contact your county’s animal control agency. These services are managed by Montgomery County or Harris County, depending on your village location.

Montgomery County Animal Control
Business Hours: 936-442-7738
After Hours: 936-442-7797
Shelter: 936-442-7738

Harris County Animal Control
Business Hours: 281-999-3191
After Hours: 713-221-6000
Emergency Clinic: 936-441-4631

Report Deceased Animal

Please contact the appropriate county precinct to have a deceased animal removed from a public street.

  • Montgomery Co. Pct. 2
    281-259-6492
  • Montgomery Co. Pct. 3
    281-367-3977
  • Montgomery Co. Pct. 4
    281-577-8919
  • Harris Co. Pct. 3
    713-274-3000

If you would like to report a residence which violates covenants and standards by owning too many animals, please contact the Township's Covenant Administration department by calling 281-210-3800.

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