Texas
Texas parks department warns not to touch baby animals as ‘fawning season’ approaches
Two roe deer fawns (Capreolus capreolus) lying in grass of meadow. (Photo by: Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is reminding residents that baby animals, while cute, are best left alone. In fact, state law prevents human meddling.
The reminder comes just ahead of fawning season — when baby deer start to appear across the Lone Star State.
Texas wildlife reminder
TPWD says they know it’s tempting to want to help baby animals that appear to need assistance. However, they’re reminding Texans, not only is it illegal to touch the animals, but they often don’t need the help.
What they’re saying:
“People want to help, but intervening is often the worst thing you can do,” said Richard Heilbrun, TPWD Division Deputy Director. “Most young animals are not abandoned, their parents are nearby and will return. The best thing you can do is give them space.”
It’s illegal to capture or keep wild animals under Texas law without the proper permits, and attempting to relocate them is also not allowed except under very specific regulations.
Texas animal sightings
White-tailed deer fawning season starts in early to mid-May, the department says, and mother deer — or does — will often leave their babies hidden for hours at a time before they return to feed them. Since fawns are well-camouflaged with their spotted coats in infancy, those “hiding places” are often in plain sight, where they blend into their surroundings. The department wants residents to know that those fawns aren’t abandoned; rather, their mothers are most often out finding food.
Baby birds are also often mistaken as abandoned and in need of rescue. Species like doves, blue jays and mockingbirds will spend a lot of time on the ground as babies while they learn to fly, and it’s common to think they need help getting back to safety. In actuality, the department says, their parents are still nearby keeping watch, and humans’ attempts to assist can be more of a hindrance.
(GERMANY OUT) young blackbirds in the bird’s nest (Photo by Hohlfeld/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
Turtles are often seen in Texas this time of year as well, particularly, the department notes, while trying to cross roadways. They provided information about helping the reptiles get out of the path of cars, which you can access here, but they’re also reminding residents that wild animals cannot be captured as pets.
Particularly in South Texas at this time of year, alligator sightings are also on the rise. The warmer months ahead of the summer are the reptiles’ mating period, and it becomes more common to see them crossing roads or sunning near public waterways. Alligators should be avoided, and pets and children should be kept nearby when in common sighting areas.
How to help wild animals
What you can do:
If you find an animal in the wild that truly seems to need immediate help, the first step should always be to contact the wildlife department.
Reach out to a TPWD wildlife rehabilitator if you find yourself in that position, and never start by trying to handle or relocate an animal on your own.
Learn more about what to do upon encountering orphaned or injured wildlife on the TPWD Wildlife Division website. Tips from biologists regarding fawns and baby birds are available on the TPWD YouTube channel.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A fifth person has died after a deadly wrong-way crash involving multiple vehicles in Sabine Pass, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Troopers said 22-year-old Caleb Burge, who was rushed to a Beaumont hospital after the accident on Monday afternoon, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.
ORIGINAL REPORT: 4 killed in multi-vehicle crash in Sabine Pass, according to Department of Public Safety
Four other people were declared dead at the scene immediately following the wreck, including 28-year-old Cesar Rojas, 27-year-old Emmanuel Reynosa Rivas, 28-year-old Angel Dominguez, and 27-year-old Osvaldo Alvarez.
At least seven others were taken to area hospitals after the crash involving a Chevy van, Prevost bus and Audi sedan. Investigators said the van crossed into the oncoming lane and crashed into the bus. After the impact, the van went into a ditch, and the Audi hit the rear of the bus, investigators said.
Troopers did not release additional details, and the crash is still under investigation.
Copyright © 2026 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.
The Texas A&M softball team fought all season long, and while the year ended earlier than they hoped, the Aggies still produced several standout moments. At the center of those bright spots was junior utility star Mya Perez, who on Tuesday was named to Softball America’s All‑American Second Team, adding another major accolade to one of the best offensive seasons in the country.
Perez spent much of the year getting the full Barry Bonds treatment. Opponents refused to give her anything to hit, instead pitching around her, walking her, or simply wearing pitches off her elbow guard. While the approach could be frustrating, Perez never wavered from her plan.
“I just stay patient, stick to my plan, and be ready for the pitch I do get to hit.”
That discipline paid off in historic fashion. Perez became the only Division I softball player to reach base in 55 straight games this season, while also setting a program record with 31 walks. Even with limited opportunities, she still delivered elite production, finishing second on the team with 19 home runs and leading the Aggies in nearly every major offensive category:
- Batting average – .414
- OPS – 1.495
- SLG% – .893
- OB% – .602
Perez has long been one of the most gifted hitters to come through Texas A&M, and this honor only reinforces her status as one of the nation’s premier offensive threats. Despite the constant attention from opposing staffs, she continued to produce at an All‑American level, a testament to her patience, power, and maturity at the plate.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
You can watch “Texas Eats NOW” Mondays through Saturdays at 10 a.m. – Saturdays and Sundays at 11 p.m. on KSAT 12, KSAT.com, and KSAT Plus, our free streaming app.
Today on Texas Eats NOW:
GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN
812 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is a Tennessee-born restaurant chain with roots dating back to 1953, when Napoleon “Na” Vanderbilt first began serving his now-famous spicy fried chicken recipe in Mason, Tennessee. The San Antonio location opened in Southtown in 2021 and has since become a go-to spot for crispy, wet-battered fried chicken made with a signature overnight marinade that delivers bold flavor and a juicy bite in every piece.
In addition to its award-winning fried chicken, Gus’s menu features fried catfish plates, chicken tenders, fried green tomatoes, fried okra, and classic Southern sides including collard greens, mac and cheese, pork and beans, and potato salad. Dessert favorites include chocolate chess pie, pecan pie, and the “Big Wayne,” a combination of both pies served together. During Spurs playoff season, the restaurant is also offering its “2-1-0 Spurs Special,” featuring an eight-piece all-dark chicken order for $21 every game day through the end of the 2026 playoffs.
TREASURE BUFFET
5237 Walzem Rd, Windcrest, TX 78218
Treasure Buffet is a newly opened all-you-can-eat Asian buffet in Windcrest offering nearly 100 freshly prepared dishes ranging from sushi and hibachi to Chinese-American comfort food favorites. Led by Chef Caleb Lee, who brings more than three decades of restaurant experience to the kitchen, the restaurant focuses on preparing dishes fresh throughout the day while offering guests a wide variety of flavors and options under one roof.
Popular buffet selections include fresh sushi rolls, hibachi-grilled meats and vegetables, lo mein tossed in house-made sauce, and beef and broccoli finished with sesame oil. Guests can also enjoy mochi, fried appetizers, soups, and rotating specialty items depending on the day. Treasure Buffet has quickly become a popular dining destination for families and large groups thanks to its affordable pricing, generous selection, and daily specials, including its Thursday promotion offering $12.99 adult buffets while children 7 and under eat free.
Follow Texas Eats and David Elder on Facebook and Instagram for more food info, pictures, videos and giveaways.
Copyright 2025 by KSAT – All rights reserved.
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