Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Chart of 1891
Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge Location in the United States
Location	Washington County, Maine, United States
Nearest city	Machiasport, Maine
Area	1,700 acres (6.9 km2)
Established	1980
Governing body	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website	Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge

Rugged shoreline of Cross Island

Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in Maine where nature is protected. It's like a safe home for many wild animals and plants. This refuge is part of a bigger group called the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It helps keep the beautiful coast of Maine wild and healthy.

The refuge was created in 1980. It covers about 1,700 acres (6.9 km²) of land. This makes it a large area for wildlife to live freely. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages this refuge. They work to protect the natural environment for everyone to enjoy. Cross Island is located near the town of Cutler.

Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of five refuges. These five refuges together make up the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The other refuges are Petit Manan, Franklin Island, Seal Island, and Pond Island.

What Islands Make Up Cross Island Refuge?

Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge is made up of six different islands. Each island adds to the refuge's total protected area. Together, they create a diverse habitat for wildlife.

Here are the islands that form the refuge:

• Cross Island - 1,489 acres (603 ha)
• Scotch Island - 10 acres (4.0 ha)
• Outer Double Head Shot - 14 acres (5.7 ha)
• Inner Double Head Shot - 8 acres (3.2 ha)
• Mink Island - 11 acres (4.5 ha)
• Old Man Island - 6 acres (2.4 ha)