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Sutter National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Sutter national wildlife refuge.jpg
Sutter National Wildlife Refuge is located in the United States
Sutter National Wildlife Refuge
Sutter National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
Location Sutter County, California, United States
Nearest city Yuba City, California
Area 2,591 acres (10.49 km2)
Established 1945
Governing body U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website Sutter National Wildlife Refuge

Sutter National Wildlife Refuge, the southernmost refuge in the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, is located in the Sacramento Valley of California, about 50 miles (80 km) north of the metropolitan area of Sacramento. The refuge consists of about 2,600 acres (11 km2), consisting primarily of wetland impoundments with some riparian and grassland habitat.

About 80 percent of the refuge is located in the Sutter Bypass, a floodwater bypass from the Sacramento River that floods at least once a year and may cover portions of the refuge with up to 12 feet (3.7 m) of water. Sutter Refuge typically supports wintering populations of more than 175,000 ducks and 50,000 geese.

The mixed riparian forest habitat on the refuge is important for breeding and migrating passerine birds, and supports a large heron/egret rookery. The refuge provides habitat for several Federal and State endangered and threatened species, including giant garter snake, winter-run Chinook salmon, yellow-billed cuckoo, and Swainson's hawk.

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