Swan River National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swan River National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Swan River National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lake County, Montana, United States |
| Nearest city | Kalispell, MT |
| Area | 1,568 acres (6.35 km2) |
| Established | 1973 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Swan River National Wildlife Refuge |
The Swan River National Wildlife Refuge is a special protected area in northwestern Montana, USA. It covers about 1,778 acres (that's over 7 square kilometers!). This refuge is located in Lake County and is part of a larger group of protected lands called the National Bison Range Complex.
Contents
What is the Swan River Refuge?
This refuge was created mainly to protect important homes for many different kinds of birds, especially waterfowl (birds that live near water). It's a safe place where these animals can live and thrive without being disturbed too much by people.
Where is the Refuge Located?
The Swan River Refuge is found along a wide, flat area next to the Swan River. This flat area is called a floodplain. Over time, the river has moved its path a bit. It now flows mostly through the western parts of the refuge. This change happened because of silt (tiny bits of dirt and sand) building up in the river.
Who Manages This Special Place?
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in charge of looking after the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge. Their job is to make sure the land and its wildlife are protected for future generations. They work to keep the natural environment healthy and safe for all the animals that live there.
Amazing Wildlife at Swan River
The refuge is home to a wide variety of animals. It's a fantastic place to see different species in their natural habitat.
Birds of the Refuge
More than 170 different types of birds have been seen at the Swan River Refuge! You might spot:
- Teals: These are small, quick-flying ducks, like the green-winged teal.
- Great Blue Herons: These tall, graceful birds often stand still in the water, waiting to catch fish.
- Bald Eagles: A pair of bald eagles, the national bird of the United States, even nests here! They likely enjoy the many fish found in the Swan River.
Mammals Living Here
Many different mammals also call the refuge home. Keep an eye out for:
- White-tailed Deer: These common deer are known for the white underside of their tails.
- Elk: Large members of the deer family, often seen grazing in open areas.
- Moose: The largest members of the deer family, easily recognized by their huge antlers (on males).
- Black Bears: Black bears are often seen searching for food.
- Coyotes: These clever animals are related to wolves and dogs.
- Bobcats: Small, wild cats with short, "bobbed" tails.
- Beavers: Beavers are known for building dams and lodges in the water.
- Grizzly Bears: Sometimes, a grizzly bear might wander into the refuge from the nearby mountains.
Images for kids
