Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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Aerial view
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 Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
Location in Florida
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| Location | Citrus County and Hernando County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Homosassa, Florida |
| Area | 31,000 acres (125 km2) |
| Established | 1941 |
| Governing body | US Fish & Wildlife Service |
| Website | Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge |
The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge is a special protected area on the west coast of Florida. It covers about 30,843 acres (125 square kilometers). This refuge is famous because it's a winter home for whooping cranes, which are very rare birds. It's part of the National Wildlife Refuge System in the United States. This system helps protect wild animals and their homes. The refuge was created in 1941.
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About the Chassahowitzka Refuge
The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge is located in Citrus County and Hernando County, Florida. It's about 70 miles (113 km) north of St. Petersburg. The refuge is managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. They work to keep the area safe for wildlife.
Part of a Bigger Family
The Chassahowitzka Refuge is part of a larger group called the Crystal River Complex. This complex is based in Crystal River, Florida. It includes parts of the Chassahowitzka River and Crystal River. It also includes other refuges near Tampa Bay. These are Egmont Key, Passage Key, and Pinellas. All these areas work together to protect Florida's wildlife.
What is a Wilderness Area?
A big part of the refuge is called the Chassahowitzka Wilderness Area. This area covers about 23,579 acres (95 square kilometers). A wilderness area is a place that is kept as wild as possible. It means there are very few roads or buildings. This helps animals live without much human disturbance. Most of the Chassahowitzka Refuge is a wilderness area. Only a small part in the northeast is not.
Home to Whooping Cranes
The Chassahowitzka Refuge is very important for whooping cranes. These are the tallest birds in North America. They were once almost extinct.
Bringing Back the Cranes
In 2001, a group called the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership started a special project. They raised whooping crane chicks in Wisconsin. Then, they guided these young birds on their first migration. They used small planes to show the cranes the way to the Chassahowitzka Refuge. This refuge became their winter home.
A Successful Comeback
Even with challenges like hurricanes in 2007, the project has been a success. By 2010, there were up to 105 migrating whooping cranes in the eastern United States. This was the first time in over 100 years that so many cranes were flying freely in this area. The Chassahowitzka Refuge plays a key role in helping these amazing birds survive and thrive.
