Reptiles & Amphibians
6 SpeciesSpotted Salamanders are dark brown or black with yellow or orange spots along their backs. They release a sticky toxic liquid from the glands on their backs and tails when threatened. These salamanders are nocturnal and migratory, categorized as Mole Salamanders because of their fossorial lifestyle (underground living). Their habitat ranges from Canada to southern Georgia, but if you're hanging out around Zilker Park or Barton Springs you might spot one of these tiny spotted fellas.
Nocturnal · FossorialTexas Spiny Lizards are common medium-sized lizards, ranging from 7 to 10 inches. Their dark coloring helps them blend seamlessly with the bark of mesquite trees prevalent here in Austin. Found throughout Texas and parts of northeastern Mexico. Very active during the day — if you're looking around, you might catch one basking in the sun on fences or walls around AUS.
Diurnal · Sun-baskingGreen Anoles are very common small lizards often mistaken for chameleons. They can change their bright green color to shades of brown and will extend a vibrant red or pink throat flap, or "dewlap," to ward off rivals and attract mates. Commonly found in the southeastern United States, they prefer to be in trees or shrubs. They are very quick — if you happen to see one around AUS, it will likely have seen you first.
Color-changing · Dewlap displayRed-Eared Slider Turtles are Texas's most common aquatic turtles. Named for their quick ability to slide off rocks when in danger or threatened. Easily identifiable by the red stripe behind their eyes and thin yellow stripes on their green heads, they often sun on rocks and logs — and will even stack on top of each other. They can be found along our many water ways. Sliders have poor hearing but are very sensitive to vibrations, making them hard to sneak up on. Practice being a silent observer around Onion Creek.
Aquatic · Sun-stackingCliff Chirping Frogs are small, nocturnal frogs. Unlike other frog species, they lay eggs in rock crevices and hatch into fully formed froglets. They can be found in limestone rock faces and urban environments of northern Mexico and across Central and West Texas. During Austin nights, particularly just before dawn, you can hear their distinct high-pitched collection of trill squeaking, chirping sounds coming from trees, rocks, walls, and surrounding grassy areas. If you hear a strange not-quite-cricket, almost bird sound, that's probably our chirping frogs.
Nocturnal · Rock-dwellingWestern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are the most common rattlers found in Central Texas. The recognizable characteristic diamond-shaped patterns along their backs helps them to blend into rocky and sandy environments. They are notorious for debilitating and often deadly venom used for immobilizing their prey. When it comes to people, they are generally shy and will retreat if possible. The signature rattle of their tale gives a warning signal if threatened. You're unlikely to run into any of these creatures on the beaten path at AUS, but you can find them nearby in nature, on trails, state parks, and construction sites.
Give wide berth if encountered on trails. They are shy and will retreat — respect the distance.
Southern Leopard Frogs have smooth, greenish-brown bodies covered in leopard-like spots. They can grow to 3.5 inches and blend well into muddy and grassy environments. These frogs are great jumpers and are very adaptable. Their common habitats are shallow fresh water and marshy areas ranging throughout the eastern United States, from New Jersey, east to Nebraska and Oklahoma, and south into the eastern third of Texas. Their croaking is a familiar sound to us Texans. Hang out while on any given quietish night (and sometimes during daylight), and you'll hear them (mostly the males) calling out to defend themselves or trying to find a mate.
Adaptable · FreshwaterMammals
5 SpeciesRingtails, sometimes called ringtail cats, are small nocturnal mammals in the raccoon family. Smaller than a house cat, they are known for their long, bushy, striped tails. These nocturnal solitary animals prefer rocky desert habitats but can be found in arid areas, woodlands and buildings. Ringtails are found in the western and mid-western United States. Ringtails are both mysterious and mischievous expert climbers and hunters whose varied diet helps with bug and rodent population control. AUS is lucky to have these small mammals as neighbors who help contribute to the health of our natural ecosystem.
Nocturnal · Ringtail · ClimberMexican Free-tail Bats are designated as the state of Texas flying mammal. The largest urban colony, roughly 1.5 million bats, are found here in Austin under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Near sunset from mid-March to early November, the bats can be seen emerging from the bridge. As notable insectivores, the local colony consumes between 10 and 30 thousand pounds of insects each night, making them another notable important part of our local ecosystem.
State Flying Mammal · 1.5M ColonyNine-Banded Armadillos are the official state of Texas small mammal. This species of armadillo is the only one of 21 species indigenous to the United States. Unlike other armadillo, it cannot roll itself into a ball. Found throughout Texas and other states in central and southern United States, these solitary, nocturnal animals are insectivores known for their prolific burrowing and digging. Some Texans consider them pests due to their prolific burrows harming yards and root systems, while at AUS we enjoy their help controlling insect populations.
State Small Mammal · Cannot rollWhite-Tailed Deer are identified by the distinctive white underside of their tails, which they raise as a warning signal when alarmed. Sporting reddish-brown coats in summer and more muted gray/brown in winter, resident herds are common Austin greenbelts and parks. Their diets consist of grassy plants and shrubs. Be on the lookout along tree-lined streets surrounding AUS where you're most likely to see them grazing during dawn and dusk.
Dawn & Dusk · GreenbeltGray Foxes are a common fox in Texas. These nocturnal omnivores are highly adaptable and are often found in backyards and urban areas where garbage and other food is readily available and easy to scavenge. AUS is surrounded by an abundance of trees and green areas that also provide suitable areas for Gray Foxes to burrow and create underground dens.
Nocturnal · Urban-adapted · BurrowerKeeping AUS Safe and Wild
The AUS Art Program presents Keeping AUS Safe & Wild, an exhibition highlighting the City of Austin Department of Aviation sustainability practices. Aviation is committed to sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. By cultivating a culture of safety, our operations teams pursue exceptional standards in climate resilience and adaptation, responsible energy consumption, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, conservation of water resources, waste and recycling management, as well as wildlife protection and biodiversity.
Whether passing through or returning home, we hope to educate our passengers about the resources AUS uses to preserve and cohabitate with the wildlife on and around airport property. As you explore the terminal, you may discover wildlife habitats, safety protocols, animal sightings, and information about water conservation — all intended to elevate your journey with AUS.
This exhibition was prepared by the AUS Art Program with support from Environmental Affairs and Building Maintenance Divisions.