Little River National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Little River National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Little River National Wildlife Refuge Location in the United States
Location	McCurtain County, Oklahoma, United States
Nearest city	Idabel, Oklahoma
Area	15,000 acres (61 km2)
Established	1987
Governing body	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website	Little River National Wildlife Refuge

The Little River National Wildlife Refuge is a special natural area in Oklahoma, United States. It's a place where animals and plants are protected. This refuge covers about 15,000 acres (61 km²) of land, which includes thick forests and wet, marshy areas called wetlands.

What is a National Wildlife Refuge?

A National Wildlife Refuge is like a safe home for wild animals and plants. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages these areas. Their main job is to protect different kinds of wildlife and their natural homes. These refuges help make sure that animals have safe places to live, eat, and raise their young.

Where is the Little River Refuge?

The Little River National Wildlife Refuge is found in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. This is in the southeastern part of the state. The nearest town is Idabel, Oklahoma. The refuge was created in 1987 to protect the unique natural areas there.

What Kind of Nature Lives Here?

This refuge is very important because it protects a special type of forest. This forest is called a "bottomland hardwood community." It means the forest grows in low, wet areas, often near rivers.

Trees of the Refuge

The trees here are mostly oak and hickory trees. These forests are often wet, with small lakes and winding streams. These streams are called "oxbows" and "sloughs."

Some of the common trees you can find in the refuge include:

• Hickory trees
• Willow oak
• Sweetgum
• Cypress trees
• White oak
• Loblolly pine
• Walnut trees

Animals of the Refuge

Because of the different types of trees and wet areas, many animals call this refuge home. You might find different kinds of birds, fish, and mammals living here. The refuge provides them with food, water, and shelter. It's a safe place for them to thrive away from human disturbances.

A map of the Little River National Wildlife Refuge, showing its location in Oklahoma.

Why is This Place Special?

The Little River National Wildlife Refuge is special because it protects one of the last large areas of bottomland hardwood forest in southeastern Oklahoma. These types of forests are important for many reasons. They help clean the water, prevent floods, and provide homes for countless species. Protecting places like this helps keep our planet healthy and diverse.