Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Flathead County, Montana, United States |
| Nearest city | Kalispell, MT |
| Area | 8,834 acres (35.75 km2) |
| Established | August 24, 1999 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge |
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge is a special natural area in Montana, United States. It covers about 8,834 acres, which is like having over 6,600 football fields! This refuge was created in 1999 to protect amazing wildlife and their homes. It is one of the newer National Wildlife Refuges in the U.S. and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This agency helps take care of wild animals and their habitats across the country.
Contents
What is a National Wildlife Refuge?
A National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area of land and water. Its main goal is to conserve America's wild animals and plants. These refuges provide safe places for animals to live, find food, and raise their young. They also help protect different types of natural environments, like forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Lost Trail is a great example of how these refuges work to keep nature healthy.
History of Lost Trail Refuge
From Ranch to Refuge
Before it became a wildlife refuge, this land was a large horse and cattle ranch. It was known as the Lost Trail Ranch and had been operating since the late 1800s. Over time, people realized how important this land was for wildlife. In 1999, it was officially established as a National Wildlife Refuge. This change helped make sure the land would be protected forever for animals and nature.
Wildlife at Lost Trail
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge is home to a wide variety of animals. You can find many different kinds of birds and mammals here. The refuge's mix of habitats makes it a perfect place for many species to thrive.
Birds of the Refuge
Over 100 different types of birds have been seen at Lost Trail. Many birds use the refuge's wetlands and prairies for nesting and feeding.
You might also spot several types of grouse. These birds are known for their unique calls and displays. Birds of prey, like the powerful great horned owl and the soaring red-tailed hawk, also hunt in the refuge.
Mammals of the Refuge
The refuge is home to many interesting mammals. Some are common, while others are quite rare.
Some larger, more elusive animals also live in the region. These include the threatened grizzly bear and the endangered gray wolf. While they are present in the area, they are not commonly seen.
Other less common mammals that have been recorded at Lost Trail include:
These animals show how important the refuge is for protecting a wide range of wildlife.
Habitats and Nature
The refuge has two main types of natural environments:
- Prairies: These are large areas of flat grassland. They provide food and shelter for many animals, especially deer and various bird species.
- Wetlands: These are areas where the land is covered by water, like marshes and swamps. Wetlands are super important for birds, amphibians, and many insects. They also help filter water and prevent floods.
This mix of prairies and wetlands creates a rich ecosystem. It supports a diverse community of plants and animals.
Visiting Lost Trail Refuge
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge is located about 40 miles west of Kalispell, Montana. You can reach it by following U.S. Highway 2. The refuge is not permanently staffed, meaning there aren't always people working there. It also has very few buildings or improvements. This helps keep the land as natural as possible for the wildlife.
The refuge is part of a larger group of protected areas called the National Bison Range Complex. It is managed from the headquarters of the National Bison Range, which is another important wildlife area nearby.
