Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Location in Alabama
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Baldwin County and Mobile County, Alabama, United States |
| Nearest city | Gulf Shores, Alabama |
| Area | 7,157.72 acres (29 km2) |
| Established | 1980 |
| Visitors | 50,000 (in 2005) |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Bon Secour NWR |
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a special natural area in Alabama, USA. It covers about 7,157 acres (2,897 km2) of land. This refuge is found in Baldwin and Mobile Counties. It is located near Gulf Shores, Alabama, on the Fort Morgan Peninsula.
The name "Bon Secour" comes from French and means "safe harbor." This is a perfect name because the refuge acts as a safe place for many animals and plants. It is especially important for birds that travel long distances. These birds stop here to rest and find food during their journeys. The refuge also protects many native plants and animals that live there all the time. It is one of the biggest natural areas left on the Alabama coast.
The refuge was started in 1980. It is made up of five separate parts. These parts are called Sand Bayou, Perdue, Little Point Clear, Fort Morgan, and Little Dauphin Island. Most of these parts are on the Fort Morgan Peninsula. Little Dauphin Island is in Mobile County. More than 50,000 people visit this amazing place every year.
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What Makes Bon Secour Special?
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge protects many different types of natural places. These include sandy beaches and sand dunes. There are also areas of scrub forest, which are like thick bushes. The refuge has both fresh and saltwater marshes. You can also find freshwater swamps and higher, drier areas called uplands. Each of these habitats is home to different kinds of plants and animals.
Amazing Animals of the Refuge
The main goal of the refuge is to keep its beaches and dunes natural. This helps protect many animals and plants. Some of these species are endangered or threatened, meaning they are at risk of disappearing forever. The refuge also provides a safe home for many birds that migrate.
Some of the very special animals living here include the Alabama beach mouse. This tiny mouse makes its home among the sand dunes and sea oats. Several types of sea turtles also nest on the beaches. These include the green, loggerhead, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles. It is very important to keep their nesting areas safe.
About 400 different kinds of birds have been seen at Bon Secour. Many of these birds visit during their long migrations. You might spot large birds like ospreys and herons. There are also tiny hummingbirds, with seven different species recorded! Besides birds, you might see other wildlife. These include deer, bobcats, alligators, red foxes, wild pigs, coyotes, and armadillos.
Exploring the Refuge Trails
If you want to explore Bon Secour, there are four walking trails. These trails are all located in the Perdue unit of the refuge. Together, they offer about five miles of paths to discover.
- Pine Beach Trail
- Jeff Friend Trail
- Gator Lake Trail
- Centennial Trail
Images for kids
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Map of Bon Secour
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Sunrise at Bon Secour (2001)
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View from Mobile Road in Bon Secour
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Damage from Hurricane Ivan (2004)
