When you think of Texas, what comes to mind? There are plenty of images that speak to our state, including the bluebonnets in the springtime, the Lone Star Flag, and—although not our official sport—football. But one symbol that stands out and stands strong is the longhorn.
You don’t have to just go to The University of Texas at Austin’s campus for a glimpse at a longhorn. Instead, you can make a short drive from your home and locate several of them peacefully grazing the day away in their respective fields. Just make sure to grab your camera because capturing their striking presence is a must!
Fact #1: The Texas longhorn steer with the record for the widest horn span measures over 11 feet from tip to tip.
Fact #2: Known for their high fertility, many longhorns live and breed into their 20s.
Fact #3: When the Texas longhorn population plummeted to near extinction 100 years ago, the United States government had to intervene to preserve the breed.
Fact #4: The most common cattle diseases are no match for longhorns’ natural resistance!
Fact #5: It wasn’t until 1995 that the longhorn was adopted as the Texas large state mammal, per a mock election with elementary school children.
Fact #6: Longhorn cattle are generally docile creatures that are easy to handle.
Longhorn Sightings Nearby
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1299 W Park St, Cedar Park
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13653 Rutledge Spur, Austin
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3957 Hero Way, Leander
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11729 W State Hwy 29, Liberty Hill