Close Encounters Of The Cabin Kind

One of the great joys of The Outpost is observing all the critters that inhabit the area. We have a large biodiversity of all sorts of animals and have taken many steps to preserve and aid in the animal populations on the property. Who hasn’t been thrilled at the sight of a hawk soaring overhead? And watching wild turkeys or deer graze by the feeder as you sip your morning coffee? Or the hummingbirds battling for governance of the nectar feeders? But how do you feel when the varmints munch on the contents of your cooler? Or a raptor suddenly swoops down and flies off with Little Sparky? Not so much...

We have taken many steps to mitigate any animal issues that may arise: Some of these include installing a boar-proof fence, mice proofing the cabin, installing feeders to lead the animals away, and regular pest control. There is also a can of wasp spray outside, insecticide inside in case you need it, and there is scorpion spray in the hot tub stairs. But no matter what we do, you are out in the middle of the wilderness and animals/insects will still find their way onto the porch or into the cabin. Just give us a call so we can address any issues immediately.

Whether the conflict involves cattle crashing gates, bats invading the porch overhangs or boars tearing into the deer feeders depends on the time of day or time of year. Getting along with the natives at The Outpost can have a learning curve, but there are ways to co-exist. Here are some tips for how to live and let live. 

Who The Wild Things Are: The first step is knowing who you’re dealing with. Can you identify the animals that live at The Outpost? We have a large library of books and guides to help you out. Some animals you will need to avoid, while others just want your food. Here’s a few of the animals that are commonly seen at The Outpost. Please do not kill or harm any of the animals, birds, or insects at The Outpost.  Animals that could potentially be a threat are starred *:

ANTHROPODS:

* Black Widow Spider, various species

* Brown Recluse Spider

* Centipede, Red

* Scorpions, Striped Bark (yellow – brown)

Camel Spider

Daddy Longlegs

Golden Silk Orb Weaver

Jumping Spider

Radiated Wolf Spider

Spiders, various species

Tarantulas, various species

BIRDS: 

* Bald Eagle

* Crested Caracara (Mexican Eagle)

* Golden Eagle

* Owls, various species

* Peregrine Falcon

* Red-Tailed Hawk

Black Vulture

Blue Bird

Blue Jay

Doves, various species

Hummingbirds, black-chinned & Ruby-Throated

Painted Bunting

Purple Martin

Red Cardinal

Road-Runner

Songbirds, various species

Wild Turkey

INSECTS:

* Blister Beetle

* Kissing Beetle

* Wasps, various species

Assassin bug

Beetles, various species

Butterflies, various species, especially all 3 species of Monarchs

Cicada

Dung Beetle

Grasshoppers, various species

Japanese Beetle

Katydid

Locusts, various species

Moths, various species

Praying Mantis

Walking Stick

MAMMALS:

* Black bear - rare

* Bobcat

* Boar (feral hogs)

* Cattle, various species

* Coyotes

* Mountain lions - rare

* Porcupine (quills)

* Skunks, various species

Armadillo

Black Long-Tail Cat

Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat

Deer, White-tailed, Axis, & Mule

Fox, Red and Gray

Long-Eared Jackrabbit

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat

Mice, various species

Opossum

Rats, various species

Raccoon

Ring-Tailed Cat

Squirrels, Black & Brown

REPTILES:

* Copperhead

* Coral Snake

* Dragon, Smaug

* Rattlesnakes, various species

* Water Moccasin

Blind Snake

Gray Tree Frog

Lizards, various species

Northern Garter Snake

Texas Spiny Lizard

Texas Spotted Whiptail Lizard

Texas Alligator Lizard

Toads, various species

                      
Keeping A Safe Distance: No matter how cuddly a critter appears, never attempt to touch it. Wildlife is unpredictable. Most species are afraid of humans and will avoid you if possible. But if an animal is startled or feels threatened, it may fight tooth and claw to defend itself. Shouldn’t you rescue that baby bird, though, that fell out of the nest? Actually, according to the Audubon Society, many young birds spend up to five days on the ground before they can fly. Most likely, mamma and papa are close by and feeding it. The same goes for the, “orphaned” fawn you nearly stumbled over in the woods. It is simply hiding and waiting for you to leave. You can observe young animals from a distance, but it’s best to leave them alone. We have also provided a pair of binoculars for wildlife viewing,  and a UV flashlight for spotting scorpions in warmer weather.Feeding Animals: Some of the deer, raccoons, and cattle are friendly enough to take food from your hands – this is a bad idea as you might return home missing a finger. Do not throw uneaten food over the fence as you will attract boar closer to the cabin. Birdseed is not just for the birds. Bird feeders in cabin country are like buffets for wildlife. Besides squirrels, they attract mice that eat fallen seed, along with predators like owls and fox who eat mice. And then there are moochers like raccoons, porupines, deer and rabbits. We don’t need to remind you not to leave bowls of dog food outside on the porch, right? Or by the firepit? Or in your car? And of course, you wouldn’t leave garbage outside where skunks or raccoons can get into it. Also important -- always strap the trash can lid down with the cords – raccoons are pretty smart and can operate a trash can lid.

With that said, the following animals are regular moochers at the cabin and thus have earned a name – please take care of them. You may leave food out for them if you want to catch a glimpse, outside the fence, if you so desire. Here are their names and where they frequent the most:

1. Captain Fat Slacks: A ginormous raccoon. South-East fence. Likes tuna, bread, dog food; pretty much anything. Nocturnal.

2. Porky: A huge porcupine. Cabin deer feeder. Loves corn. Nocturnal.

3. Tod: A beautiful grey fox. East fence. Anything chicken or dog food. Diurnal.

4. Beep-Beep: A pair of road runners. They roam all around and on the fence. They like fruits, seeds, and meal worms. Diurnal.

5. King Julien: A ring-tail cat: South-East fence. Prefers tuna, chicken, fruits, and berries. Nocturnal.

6. Jerry: A jolly Texas Deer Mouse that lives in the base of the tree next to the bird bath. Diurnal.

7. Slinky & Dink: A pair of whip-tail lizards that hang out around the firewood and driveway. Diurnal.

8. Norman Bates: A psychotic red male cardinal that will tap on the south windows, fly around your automobile mirrors, and sit on the rocking chairs. He's crazy. He likes sunflower seeds. Diurnal.

9. Smaug: A Texas Spiney Lizard that lives in the tree next to the bird bath. He likes meal worms. Diurnal.

10. Dujor & Rhosgobel: A pair of cottontail rabbits that meander around the front lawn. You can place lettuce, parsley, banana slices, apple slices, and carrot tops along the south fence in the grass. Nocturnal.

Practice Pet Etiquette: Dogs can kill birds and small critters. If you do let your dog out during the day, a large bell on his collar can minimize, “gifts” left on the door mats. Keep the courtyard gates always closed so your dog will not escape, as well as to keep out other animals. Your small dogs may be at risk themselves when outside and unsupervised. Keep your dog’s rabies shots up to date. Llano County, about 21 miles away, is the annual winter migration of the Bald Eagles, so if you don’t want these birds to spirit Little Sparky away, keep him in sight. Listening to the coyotes at night can be quite a thrill but remember that coyotes hunt in packs and may view your dog as prey. And walk your dog on a leash lest he get chummy with a porcupine or a skunk.

Please also follow these tips to minimize animal damage:

1. Keep the courtyard gates closed to keep out the cattle & wild animals.

2. Do not leave food on the porches or firepit.

3. Always strap the blue trash can lid down.

4. Do not leave trash bags on the porch.

5. Do not leave coolers outside.

6. Do not leave food in your vehicles or in the bed of your truck.