McLean National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids McLean National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
McLean National Wildlife Refuge Location in the United States
Location	McLean County, North Dakota, USA
Nearest city	Minot, ND
Area	760 acres (310 ha)
Governing body	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The McLean National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in North Dakota, USA. It covers about 760 acres, which is like 575 football fields! This refuge is a protected area where wildlife can live safely. It's managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, a government agency that helps protect nature.

A unique thing about McLean National Wildlife Refuge is that not all of it is public land. About half of the refuge is on private land. This is called an easement refuge. It means that the landowners work together with the U.S. Government to protect the land and its wildlife. They agree to keep the land natural and safe for animals.

The refuge was once known as Lake Susie National Wildlife Refuge. Its name was changed to McLean National Wildlife Refuge in the 1990s. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages this refuge from their offices at Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, which is another important wildlife area nearby.

What is a National Wildlife Refuge?

A National Wildlife Refuge is a special area set aside by the U.S. government to protect wild animals and their homes. These refuges are managed to make sure that different kinds of wildlife, especially birds, fish, and other animals, have a safe place to live, find food, and raise their young.

Why are Refuges Important?

National Wildlife Refuges are super important for many reasons. They help protect animals that might be rare or endangered. They also keep natural habitats healthy, like wetlands, forests, and grasslands. These places are like natural classrooms where people can learn about wildlife and nature. Many refuges also offer chances for people to enjoy nature through things like birdwatching, photography, and hiking.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is a government agency that works to protect and manage fish, wildlife, and their natural habitats. They are part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Their main goal is to make sure that America's natural resources are healthy for future generations.

What Does the USFWS Do?

The USFWS does many things to help wildlife. They manage the National Wildlife Refuge System, which includes places like McLean National Wildlife Refuge. They also work to protect endangered species, enforce wildlife laws, and help restore habitats. They even work with other countries to protect animals that migrate across borders.

Wildlife at McLean National Wildlife Refuge

While the McLean National Wildlife Refuge is not huge, it plays a vital role for local wildlife. North Dakota is known for its prairies and wetlands, which are perfect homes for many animals.

Birds of the Refuge

Many different types of birds likely visit or live in the McLean National Wildlife Refuge. Wetlands are especially important for waterfowl like ducks and geese. You might see mallards, pintails, and Canada geese. Other birds that live in prairie areas, like pheasants or prairie chickens, might also be found here. Birdwatchers often enjoy visiting refuges to spot these amazing creatures.

Other Animals

Besides birds, the refuge provides a home for other animals too. Small mammals like foxes, coyotes, and rabbits might live in the grassy areas. Reptiles and amphibians, such as frogs and turtles, would thrive in the wetland parts of the refuge. Protecting these habitats helps all these different animals survive and thrive.