It is a partially man-made feature created by dredging the Buffalo Bayou, the ship channel subbays, and Galveston Bay. The area has a broad industrial base including the energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, transportation, and health care sectors.

The 84-acre (34 ha) University of Texas Medical Branch campus with an enrollment of more than 2,500 students is a major economic force of the city….

27.03 mi

The city became one of the nation’s busiest ports and the world’s leading port for cotton exports. Galveston became Texas’ largest city and, during that era, was its prime commercial center.

Alligators on the beach? Yes, while it is not an everyday occurrence alligators do enjoy a day at the beach as well. Alligators that live in our bodies of freshwater throughout the island collect parasites on their body as shown to the left.

Exposure to fecal bacteria can cause sickness such as rashes and skin irritation, as well as eye, ear, and respiratory infections. Luckily, bacteria levels in Galveston Bay are usually safe for swimming.

Galveston Island State Park, however, was declared one of the most unsafe for swimming. The Galveston Bay Foundation water quality manager said that while bacteria levels in Galveston Bay are usually safe for swimming, there are sometimes spikes in bacteria that make it unsafe after major storms.

Galveston Island is home to a number of snake species! Some of them are Venomous! If you are bitten by a venomous snake seek medical treatment. Snakes serve a valuable function in the environment.

What is the most venomous snake in Texas? Officially, the most venomous snake in Texas is the coral snake. They have incredibly potent neurotoxic venom, which causes very little pain or swelling, at least initially.

A: Many of the native snakes to Orange County can be found on the beaches at certain times. I’ve personally found Southern Pacific rattlesnakes, San Diego gopher snakes, California king snakes and the California Striped Racer on beaches in Orange County.

Some Galveston Island Wildlife is a little scary Marine Life: Crabs, Sand Crabs, Shell fish, Sting Rays, Hermit Crabs, Bull Shark, Hammerhead Sharks, countless types of salt water fishes.

Are there octopus in the Gulf? Absolutely. And although it’s no an octopus, the Atlantic sea hare is also present and looks out of like an octopus meets cuttlefish.