{"id":17223,"date":"2026-08-27T12:22:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T17:22:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/?p=17223"},"modified":"2026-09-07T17:17:24","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T22:17:24","slug":"neighborhood-nature-inventory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/2026\/08\/27\/neighborhood-nature-inventory\/","title":{"rendered":"Neighborhood Nature: Critter Census"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’ve spent any time at all perusing the Gazette, you know that one of my favorite topics is the documentation and discussion of the wildlife that inhabits our little corner of the Texas Hill Country. It recently occurred to me that I’ve never attempted to create a kind of master list of animals that have visited our property (or been in close proximity to it). What follows is my attempt to do just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve selected almost thirty species of vertebrates (with one exception, and with the exclusion of birds), each of which I’ve had the privilege of observing either live or via a photo taken with my trail camera. I’ve put them into the following categories: Snakes, Lizards, Mammals, and Miscellaneous. For each species, I’ve provided the common name and the scientific name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scientific name for each is linked to an external website dedicated to that species, providing detailed information about it. The linked websites are almost exclusively Wikipedia pages; there are a couple of non-Wiki websites that I judged to be more accurate and relevant. In addition, as you hover over (desktop) or click (mobile) the links, you’ll be presented with a popup with an overview and small photo of a member of each species [0]<\/a><\/sup><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, this post describes sightings of species in our specific locale. I hope it will be useful for those of you living in Central Texas (and especially in the Highland Lakes region), as you stand a good chance of seeing these critters yourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Common Name<\/strong><\/td>\n\nScientific Name<\/em><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Snakes<\/strong>

\"Cartoon
Warning: Popups in this category contain photos of snakes<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td><\/tr>
Dekay’s brown snake<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n Storeria dekayi<\/em>\n <\/a>\n\n \n\n

\n The DeKay’s brown snake is a small (generally less than 12″)\n non-venomous species of snake in the family\n Colubridae<\/em>. The species is native to North America\n and Central America. They feed on snails, slugs, and\n earthworms and thus are beneficial.\n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
By Benjamin Genter – View it on Flickr<\/a>, CC0, Licensing Info<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n\n\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Diamondback water snake<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nNerodia rhombifer<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\n The Diamondback water snake is a common, non-venomous species found in the central US and northern Mexico. Length is generally in the 3-4 feet range. Its primary habitat is slow-moving water such as stream and ponds, and its diet consists mainly of fish and frogs.\n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
By Benjamin Genter – View on Flickr<\/a>, CC0, License Info<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td><\/tr>\n\n\n
Eastern hognose<\/td>\n\n\n\nHeterodon platirhinos<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

The Eastern hognose is a mildly venomous, rear-fanged species whose\nrange extends from Central Texas to the East coast. Its venom is prey-specific (it feeds \non amphibians) and is harmless to humans, although some people might have an allergic \nreaction. The hognose is known for its dramatic “faking death” behavior when it feels\nthreatened.<\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
By Bladerunner8u, CC\nBY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia\nCommons<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span><\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Northern cottonmouth<\/td>\n\n\n\nAgkistrodon piscivorus<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

The Northern cottonmouth (aka water moccasin) is a venomous semiaquatic pit viper. It is rarely longer than 3′ and has a thick body that quickly narrows to its tail. Juveniles are colorful, but the colors fade and darken as the snake ages. Its name comes from the white lining in its mouth, which it displays when threatened. Its venom is fairly powerful but is effectively treated with antivenom, and deaths are very rare. It is carnivorous, and will even eat carrion. It has an undeserved reputation as aggressive.<\/p>\n\n

\n\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n\n
Plain-bellied water snake<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nNerodia erythrogaster<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\n The Plain-bellied water snake is a non-venomous semi-acquatic species\n endemic to the US; its range encompasses all southern states from Texas to\n the east coast. It grows to an average length of 48″. It may be spotted on land or even resting on a tree limb over water, \n but it will primarily be found in the waters of a slow-moving creek or in a\n pond. Its diet is primarily fish and amphibians. It is unfortunately often\n misidentified as a venomous cottonmouth and killed.\n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure> \n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Western coachwhip<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nMasticophis flagellum<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\n The Western coachwhip is a non-venomous species found throughout the US and Mexico. \n It has a long, slender body, typically light brown in color, and can grow to a \n length of 6′ or more. It is very fast moving (up to 4 mph), and is known for\n “periscoping”…raising the its head in the air to look over surrounding\n brush or rocks. It will strike and bite when cornered but prefers to escape.\n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Western rat snake<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nPantherophis obsoletus<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\n The Western rat snake is a non-venomous species found in the US west of\n the Mississippi River. Its coloring varies widely, but is primarily in shades\n of brown with patches of black. It prefers wooded areas, and is an excellent\n climber, known to scale vertical walls and fences. It can grow to a length\n of 6′ and more. It is a constrictor, and feeds on almost any animal or bird\n it can catch; it’s also a notorious egg eater. It will strike and bite if\n cornered, but prefers to escape.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n\"Photo:
(c) \n\nJ.D. Willson<\/a>, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Western ribbonsnake<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nThamnophis proximus<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\n The Western ribbon snake is a slender, harmless species of garter snake found \n in the central and southern parts of the US. It’s is part of the garter snake \n family. It can grow to a length 48″, and can be distinguished from other\n snakes in the family by the distinct white dot on the top of its head. Its diet\n consists primarily of amphibians, fish, and insects.\n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Lizards<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Green anole<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nAnolis carolinensis<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\n The green anole is a small lizard commonly found throughout the southern\n US. While not a true chameleon, it can change color (several shades from\n brown to green). Both sexes have dewlaps (throat fans), but the male’s is much \n larger and is bright orange or red. Females have a white zigzag stripe down\n their backs. The males are highly territorial and will fight each other. \n Anoles primarily eat small insects and spiders.\n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Mediterranean house gecko<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nHemidactylus turcicus<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

The Mediterranean house gecko is a small (4-5″) lizard that is generally \n light-colored but often has dark mottling; its skin is bumpy. The species is\n considered invasive, having been introduced from southern Europe and north \n Africa. However, there are no known issues associated with its presence in the US.\n The gecko is nocturnal, and eats insects and spiders. They are often spotted on \n the side of walls under lights, catching insects. They have sticky toepads, \n vertical pupils, and lack eyelids.\n \n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: E.\nBrown<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Six-lined racerunner<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nAspidoscelis sexlineatus<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

This fast-moving species of lizard is found in most US states east of the Rockies. Adults\n average around 11″ in length. The name refers to the six yellow or yellowish\n stripes that extend from head to tail. The species is active during the day and\n feeds exclusively on insects and spiders. It can be mistaken for a spotted \n whiptail, as they are both in the same Family (Teiidae<\/em>).\n \n <\/p>\n\n

\"\"
By MH Herpetology<\/a> – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>,\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Texas spiny lizard<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nSceloporus olivaceus<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

This lizard is native to south central US, including Texas, Arizona, and\n Oklahoma. It is often found on fences and trees; it is a very good climber. \n It grows to a length of up to\n 11″. Males can be identified by blue patches on the sides of their bellies. It is\n active during the day and prefers mesquite or oak trees. Diet is almost exclusively\n insects and spiders, although they will occasionally eat tiny arthropods or small \n lizards. They are ambush predators; they will wait motionless and patiently for prey to come\n close enough to capture.\n \n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Texas spotted whiptail<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nAspidoscelis\ngularis<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

This lizard is endemic to Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and\n northern Mexico. It grows to a length of 11″. It has seven white or gray\n stripes running the length of the body, and light colored spots along its sides.\n It is a fast-moving lizard and can be mistaken for a six-lined racerunner, as it \n is in the same Family. It is insectivorous and actively moves along the ground\n during the day seeking prey. It can \n shed its tail to escape a predator; the tail will regenerate.\n \n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
By William L.\nFarr<\/a> – Own work<\/span>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, Link<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Mammals<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Bobcat<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nLynx rufus<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

The bobcat is native to North America but ranges as far as southern Mexico.\n It can grow up to 4′ in length, about 2′ in height, weighing up to 40 pounds for males and \n around 30-35 pounds for females. They adapt to a variety of environments, although\n they prefer woodlands. Preferred diet consists of rabbits, but will include any\n small mammal (and even deer), as well as birds and insects. They are \n crepuscular (most active during twilight and around dawn), but are occasionally\n spotted throughout the day. They are shy and not aggressive toward humans\n unless provoked or sick.\n \n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
By Becker1999 (Paul and Cathy)<\/a>\n– View on\nFlickr<\/a>, CC BY 2.0<\/a>,\nView on\nWikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Eastern fox squirrel<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nSciurus niger<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

Fox squirrels are found in almost every state in the U.S. with the exceptions\n of New England, and a couple of other northeastern states. They are considered\n to be an invasive species in Europe and cannot be imported or released in the \n EU. These squirrels are omnivorous and will eat insects, eggs, and birds, as \n well as nuts, fruits, and fungi. They are diurnal and non-territorial, but not\n particularly social. They also have a large vocabulary.\n \n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n
Gray fox<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nUrocyon\ncinereoargenteus<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\n The gray fox is widespread throughout North and Central America. It is\nrelatively small, averaging about 10 pounds and about 3\u2019 in length (males). It\u2019s\nomnivorous, eating almost live prey it can catch, as well as fruit or carrion.\nIt\u2019s an excellent climber and is most active starting at dusk and throughout the\nnight until dawn. Females will give birth to litters of 1-7 kits (average is\n~4). Foxes can contract and transmit rabies; signs include unusual aggression\ntoward people and pets and disorientation.\n\n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
By VJAnderson<\/a> – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, Link to\nOriginal Photo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n\n
Mexican long-nosed
armadillo [1]<\/sup><\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n\n		\n\n\n\nDasypus mexicanus<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

The armadillo is primarily an insectivore, using its keen sense of smell\n to locate and dig up termites, beetles, and grubs. It’s also been known\n to eat turtle and bird eggs, as well as fruit. Armadillos average about 10 pounds\n in weight; total length is up to 3.5 feet. They can jump straight up to a height\n of almost 4′ when startled. They are strong swimmers, and are most active \n during nighttime hours, although they can be spotted during the day. Reproduction\n is in the form of identical quadruplets of the same sex.\n \n \n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit:\nMine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Texas raccoon<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nProcyon lotor fucipes<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\n Raccoons are native to North America and are found in every state in the\nU.S. The species has a wide variety in size, with lengths up to 30\u201d and weights\nup to more than 50 pounds. They have adapted to a wide range of habitats,\nincluding urban areas. The Texas raccoon is one of 22\nsubspecies; it is classified as a fur-bearing species in the state, and cannot\nlegally be transported or kept as a pet without a state permit, primarily due to\nits susceptibility to rabies and distemper. Raccoons are strictly nocturnal;\nthey are omnivorous, and excellent climbers.\n\n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:<\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Ringtail<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nBassariscus\nastutus<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

The ringtail \u2014 aka Ringtail cat \u2014 is a member of the raccoon family.\nIt is a small, reclusive, nocturnal mammal, with a tail that\u2019s about the same\nlength as its body. Total maximum length, nose to tail tip, is around 30\u201d;\naverage weight is about 2.5 pounds. It\u2019s an agile climber, and can produce a\nvariety of sounds. Its range is limited to the southwestern states and all of\nMexico. It is an omnivore, eating live prey as well as fruit and seeds. They are\nsaid to make good pets and effective mousers.\n \n\n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
By Robertbody<\/a> at en.wikipedia<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, View on\nWikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Rock squirrel<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nOtospermophilus\nvariegatus<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

Rock squirrels are native to Mexico and the southwestern United\nStates, and are especially common in the Texas Hill Country. Their coloring is much darker and more mottled than tree squirrels. They are the largest\nmembers of the squirrel family (Sciuridae), measuring up to 21\u201d in length. While\nthey can climb trees, they are ground-dwellers, living in burrows which are\noften hidden by rocks. They are primarily herbivores, although they will\noccasionally eat insects and young vertebrates such as birds. They are active\nduring the day and are very wary and skittish around humans.\n \n\n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit:\nMine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Striped skunk<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nMephitis mephitis<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

The striped skunk is found in every state in the U.S. There are 13 recognized\n subspecies, and the one most likely to be found in Central Texas is the Texas\n long-tailed skunk (M. m. varians<\/em>) which has a longer tail than most\n of the other subspecies. Skunks are omnivorous, and can grow to a length of up\n to 30″ and a weight of up to 10 pounds. Skunks can spray musk up to 15′ away, with\n mist spreading even farther. They have very few natural predators due to that\n defensive mechanism. Predatory birds such as owls and hawks are more successful\n than land-based predators in preying on skunks. Skunks are one of the major \n carriers of the rabies virus.\n \n\n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
By Wallace Keck – CITY OF ROCKS\nNATIONAL RESERVE \u2014 Striped Skunk<\/a>, Public Domain, View on\nWikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Virginia opossum<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nDidelphis\nvirginiana<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

While commonly referred to as “possum,” the species of Virginia opossum is \n distinct from the “true” possums found in Australia. Its range in the U.S. is\n primarily east of the Rockies, but with scattered populations along the west\n coast. They can be up to 22″ long (excluding the tail) and weigh up to 6 pounds.\n They are marsupials, have prehensile tails, opposable thumbs on their hind legs, \n and 50 teeth, more than any other North American mammal. They are omnivorous, \n eating almost anything they can catch, and though they are said to be major\n consumers of ticks, this has not been scientifically verified. They are resistant\n to snake venom and the rabies virus.\n \n\n <\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
White-tailed deer<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nOdocoileus\nvirginianus<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

White-tailed deer are found throughout the U.S. although Texas is home to the largest\npopulation. There are 38 subspecies scattered throughout the western hemisphere; the\nTexas white-tail (O. v. texanus<\/em>) is most common in Texas. There is a huge\nvariance in the size of this species; males can range from 70 to more than 400 pounds.\nDeer have dichromatic vision, and can distinguish only two primary colors (blue and\nyellow), hence the use of red and orange clothing by hunters, making them difficult for \ndeer to see. They are mostly herbivorous, but have been known to eat small birds, mice, \nand other small mammals. They are the primary hosts for the ticks that carry Lyme \ndisease and are susceptible to chronic wasting disease.\n \n\n<\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Miscellaneous<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Common snapping turtle<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nChelydra serpentina<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\nThe range of this species extends from the east coast to the eastern edge of the Rockies,\nbut does not<\/em> include most of Texas, and especially not the Texas Hill Country.\nThis specimen was obviously caught elsewhere and released into Pecan Creek, where we\nspotted it on the low water crossing in our neighborhood. It displayed a characteristic\ncombative disposition when I attempted to coax it into the water and away from car \ntraffic. The species does inhabit shallow ponds, as well as streams such as our creek.\nThey are omnivorous, feeding on almost anything they can catch and swallow. However, \ndespite their behavior on land, they are not aggressive toward humans in the water.\n\n<\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Cope’s gray treefrog<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nDryophytes\nchrysoscelis<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\nThis species is practically indistinguishable from the Gray treefrog\n(Dryophytes versicolor<\/em>),\nas they are almost identical in appearance, habitat, and behavior, and they have\nsome overlap in range. However,\nthe Cope’s Gray is more likely to be found in Texas. They are found in wooded areas\nalong creeks and rivers, and in urban areas in shrubs and trees. They feed on insects\nsuch as beetles, flies, crickets, caterpillars, and moths. They are small, 1-2 inches\nin length, and are gray, green, or brownish, and the insides of their hindlegs are \nbright yellow-orange in color.\n\n<\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Grass carp<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nCtenopharyngodon\nidella<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\nThe grass carp is an invasive species of fish that was originally imported to\nthe U.S. from Taiwan and Malaysia in 1963. The species was considered for use in\ncontrolling the growth of aquatic plants in lakes, ponds, and streams. Its\npresence\nhas been recorded in 45 U.S. states. Its voracious appetite for aquatic plants\ndestroys critical habitats for native fish and waterfowl, and it can introduce\nparasites\nand pathogens to native fish populations. On a local level, only one specimen\nwas\nobserved in Pecan Creek in 2024, and there’s no evidence that it has reproduced. The\nfish can grow to more than 6′ in length and weigh up to 100 pounds.\n\n<\/p>\n\n

\"Photos:
Top: By USFWS Mountain Prairie<\/a> – Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)<\/a>, Public Domain, View image on Wikipedia<\/a>
Bottom: Photo of fish in Pecan Creek, 2024. Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Texas redheaded centipede<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nScolopendra heros\nidella<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\nThis is the largest centipede in North America, reaching a length of 8″ in the wild,\nand even longer in captivity. Despite its name, it has only 42 or 46 legs. Its range\nis throughout the southwestern US (and all of Texas), and northern Mexico. Its diet\nconsists of invertebrates as well as small vertebrates such as rodents and reptiles. Its\nvenom is one of the most complex of any creature, consisting of more than 500 \ncomponents, and the centipede can adjust the mixture depending on whether it’s \nfor defensive or offensive purposes. Its bite is quite painful for humans, but not\ndeadly.\n\n<\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>
Texas river cooter<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\nPseudemys texana\nidella<\/em><\/a>\n\n\n\n

\nThis freshwater turtle is endemic to several Texas rivers and their tributaries, including the\nColorado River which feeds into Lake LBJ. The specimen in the photo was in Pecan Creek,\nwhich also feeds Lake LBJ. The turtle can grow to be more than 12″ long; males are\nsmaller than females, but have longer tails and claws. The species is omnivorous,\nfeeding on aquatic invertebrates and fish, as well as aquatic plants and algae. They are\ndiurnal and very shy\/skittish.\n\n<\/p>\n\n

\"Photo:
Photo credit: Mine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n <\/span>\n\n<\/span>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Footnotes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

[0] Regarding those informational popups.<\/em> I’ve always been a fan of the way Wikipedia uses them on links to provide a preview of the content being linked to. They provide a more meaningful preview than the brief text-only title attribute that can be coded into the link HTML. Unfortunately, my coding skills are nowhere nearly good enough to create this feature. Fortunately, ChatGPT’s coding skills are more than good enough. So, I entered into a discussion with it, and more than 2,000 words later, emerged with what you see here. I’m quite happy with how it works and looks, and I hope you like it as well, but it’s actually quite time-consuming to implement and I won’t be using it except in special cases like this post. [Return<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[1] In 1995, Texas designated the nine-banded armadillo<\/a> as the official state small mammal. However, a detailed analysis \u2014 the results of which<\/a> were published in 2024 \u2014 of genetic material from armadillos found in North, Central, and South America revealed that there are four distinct species of the animal, and the species found
in North America is actually the Mexican long-nosed armadillo. The
nine-banded armadillo is found exclusively in South America. This is a perfect example of the way genetic research can clarify and expand the taxonomy of life on Earth. A more accessible discussion of the implications of this discovery is found here<\/a>.<\/p>

The following graphic shows the distribution of the four new species identified by the above-described research. Click on the image to see a full-sized version that includes the slide notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

[Return<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There’s a plethora of wildlife living in or passing through our neighborhood. This is my attempt to create an inventory of the most significant species that I’ve encountered.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17418,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[388,69,5,59,68,60,25,28,58,43],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17223","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ai-2","category-horseshoe-bay","category-nature","category-texas-hill-country","category-wildlife-amphibians","category-wildlife-fish","category-wildlife-inverts","category-wildlife-mammals","category-wildlife-snakes","category-wildlife-turtles-lizards","entry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/header_animals_ai.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17223","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17223"}],"version-history":[{"count":89,"href":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17223\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17430,"href":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17223\/revisions\/17430"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17418"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17223"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17223"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericsiegmund.com\/fireant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17223"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}