7 Tips to Lower Your Impact on Parks

Wildlife Who’s Who: Nine-banded Armadillo

If you're in a park and hear something rustling around in leaves at night, don't panic – it's probably a nine-banded armadillo rooting around for insects and worms. Found in most parks, these little mammals are active on summer nights, or you may see them out during the day in cool months. 

The armadillo has so many remarkable traits, Texas made them the official small state mammal. They're covered in a stiff shell and will curl up in a ball as a defense. If a stream is too large to walk across, armadillos ingest air and inflate themselves to help them swim across.

Nine-banded armadillos give birth to 4 identical offspring. The pups are milk-fed, then mom teaches them how to hunt for bugs. Watch for family groups in spring.

Ranger Amy shares footage and facts in the video Armadillos at Martin Dies, Jr. SP. Discover what other unique wildlife you may see at your parks in the magazine story Where the Wild Things Are.  

Chill Out Video: Go with the Flow at S Llano

The heart of South Llano River State Park is the beautiful South Llano River. A popular place for tubing, kayaking, fishing and swimming, it has an intrinsic beauty and sound all its own. Take a couple of minutes to relax in its flow with our short video South Llano River – Postcard From Texas.

Get Our Pro Tips for Camping

Camping is bliss, but to do it right you need to know some basics. In Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine’s 2024 camping guide, seasoned outdoorsperson Pam LeBlanc helps readers plan their perfect camping trip from start to finish. She offers tips on choosing a destination, recommends prime spots, offers recipes and packing tips and answers some common camping queries — so the next time you set out, you’ll be prepared to soak up some nature time, stress-free. Subscribe to the magazine before February 12 (only $2/month!) and we’ll make sure you get a copy of the camping guide delivered to your mailbox in mid-March.