Sutter National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sutter National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Sutter National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| 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 |
The Sutter National Wildlife Refuge is a special place for animals and plants in California. It is located in the Sacramento Valley, about 50 miles (80 km) north of the city of Sacramento. This refuge is the most southern part of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
The refuge covers about 2,600 acres (1,052 hectares). Most of this area is made up of wetlands, which are like watery fields. There are also areas with trees near rivers (called riparian habitats) and open grasslands.
Contents
What is the Sutter National Wildlife Refuge?
The Sutter National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area. It was created in 1945 to keep nature safe. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages the refuge. They work to protect the animals and their homes.
Why is the Refuge Important?
About 80 percent of the refuge is inside something called the Sutter Bypass. This is a special channel that helps control floodwaters from the Sacramento River. When the river floods, the bypass fills up. This can cover parts of the refuge with up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) of water.
This flooding is actually good for the refuge. It creates perfect conditions for many types of wildlife. The water helps the plants grow and provides a safe place for animals.
Animals at Sutter Refuge
The refuge is a very important home for many different animals. It is especially known for its large numbers of birds.
Birds of the Refuge
Every winter, more than 175,000 ducks and 50,000 geese come to Sutter Refuge. They find food and a safe place to rest during their long journeys.
The trees along the rivers are also important for smaller birds called passerines. These birds use the refuge for breeding their young and as a stop during their migrations. The refuge also has a large rookery for herons and egrets. A rookery is a place where many birds gather to nest and lay eggs.
Endangered and Threatened Species
The Sutter Refuge helps protect several animals that are rare or in danger. These are called endangered or threatened species. Some of these special animals include:
- The giant garter snake
- The winter-run Chinook salmon
- The yellow-billed cuckoo
- The Swainson's hawk
Protecting these species helps make sure they can survive for future generations.
