Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Choctaw County, Alabama, United States |
| Nearest city | Coffeeville, Alabama |
| Area | 4,218 acres (17.07 km²) |
| Established | 1964 |
| Visitors | 30,000 (in 2004) |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Choctaw NWR |
The Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge is a special protected area in Alabama, USA. It covers about 4,218 acres (17.07 km²). This refuge is located along the Tombigbee River near Coffeeville, Alabama. It was named after the Choctaw tribe, a Native American group. The refuge was created to help wood ducks raise their young. It also provides a safe place for many waterfowl to spend the winter.
About half of the refuge is made up of lakes, swamps (called sloughs), and creeks. The other half is mostly forests with tall trees, plus some fields. These fields are used to grow food for the animals. The refuge also looks after other protected lands nearby.
Contents
History of the Refuge
The Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge was started in 1964. The land for the refuge was bought by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This happened when they were building the Coffeeville Lock and Dam project.
What the Land Looks Like
The refuge has a mix of different landscapes. It includes about 1,802 acres (7.29 km²) of lakes, sloughs (slow-moving water areas), and creeks. There are also 2,265 acres (9.17 km²) of bottomland hardwood forests. These are forests that grow in low, wet areas. Some fields are also used to grow crops for wildlife.
The refuge is next to the Tombigbee River for about 6.5 miles (10.5 km). Two creeks, Okatuppa and Turkey Creeks, flow through the refuge. Because of the river and creeks, many parts of the refuge can only be reached by boat. The entire refuge often floods in the spring.
Amazing Wildlife and Protected Animals
The Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge is a busy place for animals. Workers keep 400 special boxes for wood ducks to nest in. This helps about 2,500 ducklings hatch each year! In winter, more than 10,000 waterfowl can be found here. These birds come to escape the cold weather.
To help the birds and other animals, the refuge grows special crops. These include millet, milo, wheat, and clover. Many other birds, like songbirds and wading birds, also benefit from the refuge's care.
In the early 1990s, the refuge had a successful program to help bald eagles. Now, a pair of eagles often nests here each winter. In the summer, large wood storks can be seen resting and feeding in the wet areas. Other animals living here include white-tailed deer, gray squirrels, turkey, raccoons, opossum, alligators, and beavers.
Fun Things to Do
The Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge offers many ways to enjoy nature. You can go fishing, boating, or hiking. It's also a great place to watch wildlife. There is a short trail, about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) long. This trail leads to a platform where you can watch animals. It overlooks a wet area where many birds gather.
Fishing is very popular here. You can catch bass, white perch, catfish, and bream in the creeks and rivers. Hunting is also allowed in some areas. You can hunt for white-tailed deer and feral hogs. Smaller animals like squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons can also be hunted.
Images for kids
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photograph of the Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge
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photograph of the Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge
