Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Beaverhead County, Montana, United States |
| Nearest city | Dillon, MT |
| Area | 65,810.25 acres (266.32 km2) |
| Established | 1932 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge |
| Designated: | 1966 |
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in the mountains of southwestern Montana. It's a remote area, meaning it's far away from cities, located in a high valley called the Centennial Valley. This refuge is close to Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone National Park. It's an important part of the larger Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Red Rock Lakes is famous for helping to save the trumpeter swan. In 1932, there were fewer than 200 of these swans left in the United States and Canada. Thanks to conservation efforts at the refuge, by 2002, about 3,000 trumpeter swans were spending their winters there. Many of these swans fly south from Canada for the colder months. Now, there are so many trumpeter swans that people are helping them find their old migration paths to areas further south in the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin. The trumpeter swan is North America's largest waterfowl. It can have a wingspan of 8 feet (2.6 m) and weigh up to 30 pounds (13 kg).
Contents
What is Red Rock Lakes Refuge?
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area. It was created in 1932 to help wildlife. The refuge is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This agency works to protect and conserve wild animals and their habitats.
High-Altitude Wetlands
The refuge is located at a high altitude. It ranges from 6,600 feet (2,000 m) to almost 10,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level. It covers about 65,810 acres (266 square kilometers). This area includes high-altitude prairie and forests.
The refuge has many lakes and cold water marshlands. These wet areas are special because they are not common at such high elevations. Many types of waterfowl and birds of prey love this wetland environment.
Amazing Wildlife at the Refuge
Red Rock Lakes is home to many different animals. It's a great place to see wildlife.
Birds of Red Rock Lakes
Over 250 different kinds of birds have been seen here. More than 100 bird species are known to build their nests at the refuge. You might spot powerful birds like the bald eagle and peregrine falcon. There are about 20 pairs of bald eagles nesting in the refuge.
The refuge is also important for the endangered whooping crane. These very rare birds have been seen here.
Mammals of the Refuge
Many mammals also live in Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Some of the animals you might find include:
It is also thought that grizzly bears and wolf packs visit the refuge. Even wolverine have been recorded here.
Protecting the Refuge
Red Rock Lakes has a special status as a National Natural Landmark. This means it's recognized for its unique natural features.
Red Rock Lakes Wilderness
In 1976, a large part of the refuge became the 32,350-acre (130 square kilometers) Red Rock Lakes Wilderness. This wilderness area helps protect the land even more. In a wilderness area, no new human structures or improvements are allowed. This keeps the land wild and natural.
Visiting the Refuge
The refuge does not have many maintained trails. Access to some areas is not allowed during certain times of the year. This helps protect the wildlife, especially during nesting seasons.
The refuge has staff working there all year. However, getting to the refuge in winter can be very difficult due to snow and remote conditions. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is about 28 miles (45 km) east of Monida, Montana, off Interstate 15.
