2007 impacted Valley wildlife

It was an exceptional year in the South Texas outdoors. Late winter and early spring rains were ideal for quail, deer and wildlife in general. The “pitas” were prolific, and by early March the chaparral was crowned with a multitude of yucca blooms. Wildflowers opened early and lasted longer than normal as timely showers freshened ranchlands keeping the country green well into summer.

Wildlife in southernmost Texas is extremely adaptable, and during times of drought creatures of the chaparral manage to survive, but when conditions are more accommodating, they thrive. Antler development was superb this year, as the bucks enjoyed bountiful natural browse. Fawn survival was also above average. The spotted rascals had thick cover to hide in during their vulnerable early weeks and plenty to eat once they were weaned.