Wildlife

There’s a considerable number of wild animals around the trails. For the most part, unless you really go looking for them, you won’t see any on the main parts of the trail. However, day and night, we’ve seen some of the following animals.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Turtles: You may see some Red-Eared Sliders or River-Cooters within the pond areas. You’re most likely to see these guys either bathing in the sun during the hot day, or swimming around the edges of the pond during the early evening.

Snakes: During the daytime, these guys will occasionally find a place to bathe in the sun. If you come out around 9pm at night in the summer time, you might be lucky enough to catch one foraging along the edges of the water for food.

American Bullfrogs: Late at night, you might hear a long, deep croaking. These are bullfrogs! You’d be lucky to get a good look at one; these guys are the size of your hand but they like to stay hidden, and they do a good job of it.

Cricket Frogs: The regular ribbiting you’ll hear at night comes from the hundreds (if not thousands) of much smaller frogs that love wading in the mud and shallow water. If you don’t mind getting dirty, they can be really fun to catch!

Toads: You’re just as likely to see these at the trails as you are in your own back yard. These guys love chomping down on june bugs and other small insects or worms.

Mammals

For the most part, you’ll only see mammalian life at night or the early evening. Here’s a couple of the animals.

Raccoons: The most common of the wild animal, Raccoons are most easily seen at night, usually travelling in groups of 3-6.

Opossums: There’s at least a few opossums traveling alone on the trails. You’re probably better off keeping your distance from them. They are easily frightened but they can be aggressive and harmful if they think they’re backed into a corner.

Skunks: So, I know I suggested keeping your distance from the opossums, but I’d suggest it even more with a skunk. I think you can imagine why. These guys are actually pretty common, and you’re pretty likely to pass at least one if you’re walking around the trails at night.

Cats: Remember that cat you shoo’d away for pooping on your porch? Yeah, he’s at your neighbor’s house now. There’s tons of these guys running around everywhere. If you want to help us with our safe neutering program, check out the Cat Roundup page.

Rabbits: Adorable and friendly, the Cottontail Rabbits seem content with calling the Copperfield nature trails their home. They’re very quiet and seem to ignore people, so you might not even realize that one is standing three feet away from you while you’re standing around looking for other animals.

Armadillos: If you actually see one of these guys running around, take pictures! We’d love to see them. We know these guys are here but they’re extremely hard to find unless you know where to look. And I don’t know where to look.

Bobcats and Coyotes: Please be aware that there are bobcat and coyote sightings at least once a month! If you spot one, and they spot you, look big, make eye contact, and slowly back away.

Insects, Birds, and Fish

Honestly, there’s so many different kinds of bugs and birds that it’s really hard to list them all. We’ve got stick bugs, centipedes, click beetles, june bugs, cardinals, ducks, blue jays, grackles, and much more. You’ll probably see something new each time you visit!

Have you found injured / intrusive wildlife? Call 512 660 0681 for removal or assistance.
Have you found a baby animal? Please visit this page for instructions.