6 of Texas' most dangerous state parks are near San Antonio



Click through the slideshow to see which state parks were the most dangerous, based on number of deaths and injuries. less Nearly 500 people were injured and 20 people died at Texas state parks from September 2017 through August 2018.

Click through the slideshow to see which state parks were the most dangerous, based on number ... more Nearly 500 people were injured and 20 people died at Texas state parks from September 2017 through August 2018. Photo: Courtesy Of Texas Parks And Wildlife Department Photo: Courtesy Of Texas Parks And Wildlife Department Image 1 of / 51 Caption Close 6 of Texas' most dangerous state parks are near San Antonio 1 / 51 Back to Gallery

Over the past year, more than 500 people have been injured or died during their visits to Texas state parks.

The spring and summer months are the most dangerous, according to data obtained from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department spanning September 2017 through August 2018. Nearly one-quarter of the incidents occurred during May or June, and 13 of the 20 deaths reported occurred between May and August.

RELATED: TPWD looking for person who vandalized 'historic' rock at Palmetto State Park

Heat strokes, boating accidents, and drowning accounted for many of the deaths, but injuries were more frequently caused on land, typically when visitors were walking or running through the parks. Almost half of the injuries and deaths involved someone slipping, tripping or falling.

Animal bites and stings, burns and weather also caused many injuries. The department did not specify whether or not the injury listed was serious, but descriptions ranged from minor cuts and bruises to inflammation, sprains, fractures and more.

Click through the slideshow to see which parks had the highest number of injuries and deaths.

S. M. Chavey is a staff writer for mySA.com. Read more of her stories here. | sarah.chavey@express-news.net | 210-250-3122 | Twitter: @smchavey