Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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Bald cypress stand at Bayou Cocodrie.
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| Location | Concordia Parish, Louisiana |
| Nearest city | Vidalia, Louisiana |
| Area | 13,200 acres (53 km2) |
| Established | 1992 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge |
Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in Concordia Parish, Louisiana. It was created in 1992 to protect important natural areas. This includes homes for water birds and beautiful hardwood forests. The refuge covers about 13,200 acres (53 km²). It is located about 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Vidalia, Louisiana. The refuge gets its name from the scenic Bayou Cocodrie river.
Before it became a refuge, a group called The Nature Conservancy bought most of this land in 1991. They bought it from a company that owned a lot of timber. Over the next five years, The Nature Conservancy sold the land to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This agency now manages the refuge.
The forests here are very special. They are some of the last remaining old hardwood forests along the Mississippi River. These forests once stretched all the way from Illinois to Louisiana.
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What Animals Live at Bayou Cocodrie?
The refuge is home to many different animals. It's especially important for birds. Over 186 types of birds have been seen here!
Birds of the Refuge
Many birds use the refuge for their homes.
- Waterfowl: In winter, many ducks come to the wetlands. These include mallards, pintails, and shoveler ducks.
- Wood Ducks: The wood duck is a very important bird here. Protecting its home was one of the main reasons the refuge was created.
- Birds of Prey: You might also spot large birds like the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and osprey.
- Songbirds: Smaller birds like the Swainson's warbler also live in the forests.
Louisiana Black Bear
The Louisiana black bear is a special animal found at Bayou Cocodrie. This bear is a type of American black bear. It has been listed as a threatened species since 1992. This means it needs protection to survive. Historically, these bears lived across southern Louisiana, Mississippi, and eastern Texas. The refuge helps protect their habitat.
The Amazing Forests of Bayou Cocodrie
Most of the refuge is covered in thick hardwood forests. These forests have trees like oak, gum, and ash.
Studying the Forests
About 1,000 acres (4 km²) of the hardwood forest is set aside for study. This area is called a natural resource area. Scientists can learn a lot about these important trees here.
Wetlands and Water
Besides forests, the refuge also has many wetlands. These wet areas are very important for the wintering waterfowl mentioned earlier. They provide food and shelter for the birds.
