Austinites are used to seeing the occasional armadillo or roadrunner, but those aren’t the only animals roaming through the land. You might be surprised to learn what kind of strange critters have been reported in Central Texas. Some, in fact, can be dangerous if you get too close. Keep your eyes peeled. These five out-of-place creatures have been spotted around Austin and you’ll want to steer clear.
- Antelopes
Sadie Hart/Flickr
Mathias Appel/Flickr Yes, you read that correctly. Antelopes were spotted in Lakeway in June 2018. Locals were shocked to see this exotic animal strolling through yards and neighborhoods. It is speculated that the antelopes escaped from a nearby exotic animal center.
- Bobcats
Linda Tanner/Flickr
DGriebeling/Flickr You’re more likely to encounter a bobcat than an antelope in Central Texas, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled when venturing through the hill country. These big cats are most active in January and February, and they occasionally make their way into people’s yards.
- North American Porcupine
Chris M Morris/Flickr
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism/Flickr Beware of these prickly animals. North American Porcupines have a history of attacking dogs and cats. They have 30,000 little quills placed all over their body, and these needle-like points can cause great damage if you’re not careful.
- Mountain Lions
Eric Kilby/Flickr
Eric Kilby/Flickr Mountain lions may look graceful and majestic, but you don’t want to cross paths with one. These imposing creatures were seen walking through Leander neighborhoods as recent as January 2019. Thankfully, mountain lion sightings are rare, but it’s still wise to be cautious.
- Feral Hogs
Don McCullough/Flickr
Sean McCann/Flickr Texas is number one when it comes to feral hogs. In fact, about half of the animal’s population lives in the Lone Star State. There are about 2 million of these frightening pigs roaming around, so it’s no surprise they’ve made their way toward Austin. These unruly animals can cause great damage to agriculture and landscaping. Believe us, you don’t want one of these animals in your area.
Want to gape at animals in a safe and informative setting? Venture to this exotic zoo near Austin. This place has creatures you’ve probably never seen in person before.
Sadie Hart/Flickr
Mathias Appel/Flickr
Yes, you read that correctly. Antelopes were spotted in Lakeway in June 2018. Locals were shocked to see this exotic animal strolling through yards and neighborhoods. It is speculated that the antelopes escaped from a nearby exotic animal center.
Linda Tanner/Flickr
DGriebeling/Flickr
You’re more likely to encounter a bobcat than an antelope in Central Texas, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled when venturing through the hill country. These big cats are most active in January and February, and they occasionally make their way into people’s yards.
Chris M Morris/Flickr
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism/Flickr
Beware of these prickly animals. North American Porcupines have a history of attacking dogs and cats. They have 30,000 little quills placed all over their body, and these needle-like points can cause great damage if you’re not careful.
Eric Kilby/Flickr
Mountain lions may look graceful and majestic, but you don’t want to cross paths with one. These imposing creatures were seen walking through Leander neighborhoods as recent as January 2019. Thankfully, mountain lion sightings are rare, but it’s still wise to be cautious.
Don McCullough/Flickr
Sean McCann/Flickr
Texas is number one when it comes to feral hogs. In fact, about half of the animal’s population lives in the Lone Star State. There are about 2 million of these frightening pigs roaming around, so it’s no surprise they’ve made their way toward Austin. These unruly animals can cause great damage to agriculture and landscaping. Believe us, you don’t want one of these animals in your area.
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