Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Clatsop County, Oregon |
| Nearest city | Astoria |
| Area | 12,167 acres (4,924 ha) |
| Established | 1972 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Lewis and Clark NWR |
The Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge is a very special place. It is located near where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. This refuge is a safe home for many different animals. It helps protect their natural habitats.
The refuge was created in 1972. It is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This group works to protect wildlife and their homes across the country.
Contents
Why This Refuge is Important
The Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge covers about 12,167 acres. That's a huge area! It includes many islands, sandbars, and mud flats. These different areas provide homes for many creatures.
The refuge is especially important for birds during winter. Thousands of birds stop here to rest and find food. It's like a giant hotel for them on their long journeys.
Amazing Animals of the Refuge
Many different kinds of animals live in or visit the refuge. From tiny fish to large mammals, this area is full of life.
Birds: Feathered Friends
The refuge is a paradise for birds. During the winter, it hosts an estimated 1,000 tundra swans. You can also see about 5,000 geese and 30,000 ducks. These birds use the refuge as a resting and feeding spot.
Shorebirds also visit the refuge. These birds have long legs and bills. They search for food in the shallow waters and mud.
Bald eagles are another important bird here. They live in the refuge all year long. There are about 30 to 35 active eagle nests. This means many eagle families are raised here.
Fish: Life in the Water
The waters of the Columbia River Estuary are very important for fish. An estuary is where a river meets the sea. The water here is a mix of fresh and salt water.
Young salmon use the estuary as a stopover. They pause here to get used to the salt water. This happens before they swim out into the vast Pacific Ocean. The estuary provides vital food for them.
Other fish species also live in these waters. These include American shad, smelt, perch, and starry flounder. You might also find bass, catfish, and Pacific lamprey.
Mammals: Land and Water Dwellers
Many mammals call the refuge home. Some live in the water, and some live on the land.
Harbor seals often rest on the sandbars and mud flats. They do this when the tide is low. Other seals and California sea lions come to the estuary to feed on fish.
On the islands, you can find animals like beavers and raccoons. There are also weasels, mink, and muskrats. River otters are playful creatures that live near the water. The Columbian white-tailed deer also roams the islands.
Unfortunately, an invasive animal called the nutria also lives here. Invasive species can sometimes harm the native plants and animals.
Gallery
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Aerial view of Lois Island
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Aerial view of Russian Island
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Aerial view of the Columbia River estuary including the refuge
