Photo by Phil Slattery

White-tailed buck (odocoileus virginianus)

Most of the animals found on Padre Island will be those normally associated with grasslands and the seashore. There are many species of rodents to feed on the native grasses. To feed on the rodents are coyotes, snakes, and many species of birds. Deer are often seen, but these usually wade across from the mainland and are not native. The island's largest native mammal is the coyote. Other mammals include badger, raccoon, opossum, kangaroo rat, bats, and spotted ground squirrel. The island has three poisonous snakes: the western diamondback, the massasagua and the Texas coral snake. Copperheads and cottonmouths are not known to be on the island. There are many non-venomous snakes, but few snakes are encountered by the public. The island is located on a major avian migratory route known as the Central Flyway. As a result, many birds come here to winter, to breed, or to simply pass over in transit. Including native, non-migratory species the National Seashore has documented over 350 species of birds in its boundaries. The meeting of two longshore currents near the center of the island brings many nutrients to this area and consequently many fish. Marine mammals have stranded here in the past. Four species of sea turtle have been documented as nesting here.

Following is a list of state and federally protected animal species occurring or likely to occur at Padre Island National Seashore. (T – Threatened, E – Endangered, SOC – Species of Concern, and S/A – Similar in Appearance)