Is the Texas Gulf really boring enough that I'm posting about roadkill? I've actually always been fascinated, but the fact it's flat and and most of the scenery is repetitive has focused more attention on the roadside abattoir. Each region has it's own flavor: we saw young moose in the Idaho panhandle, and there were rattlesnakes all over Wyoming and South Dakota. I don't take pictures, but please use your imagination.
Texas highlights:
Armadillo - I've never seen one in the wild, but there was a fresh one on the yellow line the other day. Reminds me of a Jim Hightower book.
Feral Hogs - Two so far, both late-on in decomposition. One a boar with tusks.
Rattle Snakes - I thought it was a palm branch this morning because it was laying in a puddle by the beach. Nearly four feet long.
Deer - Not that exciting unless you're from the city, but these are everywhere. I found a cool two-point antler by the roadside and it's strapped to my rack.
Birds - Dead vultures are meta roadkill. I wonder if they eat each other? Lots of Terns by the Gulf, and no pelicans so far which is nice because they are my new favorite bird.
Skunks - A live one was poking around our campsite a few nights ago, but many others are not as lucky.
Turtles - I helped a big box turtle cross the road. It seems wrong when these guys get smooshed by some teenager in a truck just off the assembly line because they can live to be over a hundred years old and deserve respect.
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3 comments:
actually the animal we've been seeing the most roadkill of is cats. there are feral cats everywhere in texas. ira didn't mention it because he thinks its too sad to contemplate.
Andrea I love this bit about the roadkill! Yer so funny! love you.
Hey, those feral hogs are called Javelina! It's their spanish name.
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