We recently went to Texas for summer vacation. Our main stop was Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels. It was the second time we've been there. There's already talk of going again.
When we go to Texas we like to stop at the welcome center in Orange and walk on the boardwalk through the Blue Elbow Swamp.
Yes...we go all the way to Texas to look for alligators (our state reptile)
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| The Boy spotted this alligator, barely noticeable. |
and snakes
in a swamp.
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Pelicans
John Snell, reporter for WVUE New Orleans, often focuses on stories involving wetlands and the Louisiana coast. This report on the pelican population on Cat Island is depressing. Comparing the island today and two years ago (roughly 1:17 in the video) is unbelievable. But the biggest blow is that wildlife experts believe that the Brown Pelicans (our state bird) currently nesting there may be the last generation in the area.
Video: On a Louisiana island, the 2014 generation of pelicans may be the last
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Bears
Things aren't so bad for the Louisiana Black Bear (our state mammal), though. They were placed on the Endangered Species list in 1992. Population studies show that their numbers are increasing. It is estimated that there are now about 500 in the state. Thanks to my dad for sending me the link to this article, Bears on the Bayou, about a small female black bear that was captured with Krispy Kreme donuts and fitted with a GPS.
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I've never been to Louisiana or Texas..but we love nature trails.. Looks like lots of reptiles!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, I've been away on vacation but will be back in the gumbo soon! HOpe all is well with you.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun trip! Texas is definitely on my list of states I want to visit but haven't yet.
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