Heart of Texas Magazine

Tips for Bluebonnet Sight-Seeing (Minus the Critters)

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Some wildflower fans have been known to carry snakebite kits (the kind you can find at sporting goods stores or outfitters). Familiarize yourself with the kit in advance of taking your spring flower tour. If you happen to be bitten, the goal is to limit the spread of venom from the bite area prior to moving, so you’ll need to complete some basic first aid. And try to remain calm. Don’t pursue the snake, but do try to get a picture of it (you do have your camera, after all), which may assist in treatment.

Tips for Bluebonnet Sight-Seeing (Minus the Critters)

Photo: Pexels

Aside from that, scorpions tend to be active more so at night, and hopefully, you won’t disturb or even cross paths with one while you’re out among the bluebonnets.  Should you prove to be the exception to this rule and wind up with a sting, you’ll experience pain and some local swelling, but unless you’re allergic, it won’t result in anything serious. Centipedes, like most spiders, prefer dark places, which tend to be moist. Again, the likelihood that you’ll come up on one of these in your wildflower walk is rare, but should you experience a bite, seek medical attention in the instance that an allergic reaction might occur. Similarly spider bites (depending on the type), can cause pain ranging from mild to severe and will need medical care depending on symptoms. Many of those that are native to Texas tend to seek out refuge in dark places, or are simply more active at night. Being aware of your surroundings and the other creatures that may exist in your immediate vicinity is never a bad thing, however.

And, remember, it is legal to pick bluebonnets in Texas, and it’s great to get a good shot of them to share with friends and family, but try not to turn into a pest yourself. Don’t damage or destroy property or rights-of-way just to get a great photo or even grab a bouquet. Obey basic road safety, and if you’re pulling over to get a great picture, be sure it’s an area with minimal traffic. Don’t trespass on private property and don’t make it a priority to cross traffic lanes on foot. If you really need to be on the opposite side of the road, then find an appropriate spot to turn around (legally) and park on that side. Most of all, be safe, have fun, and respect the environment—it’s the only one we have, and we share it with the many plants and critters that make Texas what it is: a beautiful state to behold.

This article was originally published in Heart of Texas Magazine, Spring 2019.

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