Swan River National Wildlife Refuge

Swan River National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Map showing the location of Swan River National Wildlife Refuge
Location Lake County, Montana, United States
Nearest city Kalispell, MT
Coordinates 47°54′26″N 113°51′33″W / 47.90722°N 113.85917°W / 47.90722; -113.85917Coordinates: 47°54′26″N 113°51′33″W / 47.90722°N 113.85917°W / 47.90722; -113.85917
Area 1,568 acres (6.35 km2)
Established 1973
Governing body U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website Swan River National Wildlife Refuge

Swan River National Wildlife Refuge is a 1,778-acre (720 ha) National Wildlife Refuge in Lake County of northwestern Montana. It is a unit of the National Bison Range Complex.[1][2]

Description

The refuge was primarily set aside to protect prime habitat for various species of birds and particularly waterfowl. The refuge consists of a wide floodplain of the Swan River, though the river has relocated to the western sections of the refuge due to silt buildup.[3]

171 bird species have been observed at the refuge, including teals, great blue heron and a pair of nesting bald eagles, the last of which may be due to the abundance of fish in the Swan River. Numerous mammals such as the white-tailed deer, elk, moose, black bear, coyote, bobcat and beaver can all be found here. The grizzly bear may occasionally wander in from surrounding mountains.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Swan Lake, MT (Map). Topoquest (USGS Quads). Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Annual Report of Lands Under Control of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service" (pdf). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. September 30, 2010. p. 23. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  3. 1 2 "Swan River National Wildlife Refuge". U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved February 24, 2014.


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