| Pablo National Wildlife Refuge | |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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| Location | Lake County, Montana, USA |
| Nearest city | Polson, MT |
| Area | 2,542 acres (10 km2) |
| Established | 1921 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
Pablo National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1921 and is located within the Flathead Indian Reservation (known as the Tribal Trust Lands of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes) 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Polson, Montana, United States. Most of the 2,542 acres (10 km2) is part of a reservoir so the exposed land area is only 692 acres (2.8 km2) in a narrow band around the reservoir. Pablo is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Pablo is a prime nesting habitat for numerous bird species such as the Green-winged Teal, Canada Geese, Bittern, Great Blue Heron and various species of ducks. At least one pair of nesting Bald Eagles produce offspring each year. in 1996, 19 Trumpeter Swans were released in an effort to establish a breeding flock in the region which appears to have been a success. Small mammals commonly found include Muskrat, Porcupine, Badger and the Striped skunk. The reservoir also contains Yellow Perch and Largemouth Bass.
The refuge is located immediately west of U.S. Highway 93. The refuge is not permanently staffed and has no improvements. It is managed as an easement and the federal jurisdiction pertains solely to species and habitat protection. As a part of the National Bison Range Complex, this refuge is managed from the headquarters of the National Bison Range.
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