Swan River National Wildlife Refuge

Swan River National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Location	Lake County, Montana, USA
Nearest city	Kalispell, MT
Coordinates	47°53′53″N 113°51′17″W
Area	1,778 acres (7.2 km2)
Established	1973
Governing body	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Swan River National Wildlife Refuge is located in the northwestern section of Montana in the United States. The refuge was primarily set aside to protect prime habitat for various species of birds and particularly waterfowl. The refuge does not have a permanent staff and is managed from the National Bison Range and is an integral part of the National Bison Range Complex. The refuge consists of a wide floodplain of the Swan River (Montana), though the river has relocated to the western sections of the refuge due to silt buildup.

Of the 171 species of birds reportedly observed at the refuge, canada Geese, various species of teals, great blue heron, and at least one pair of nesting bald eagles can be found at the refuge due to the abundance of fish in the Swan River. Numerous mammals such as the white-tailed deer, elk (wapiti), moose, black bear, coyote, bobcat and beaver can all be found here. The grizzly bear may occasionally wander in from surrounding mountains.

The refuge is accessible via Montana route 83 and is southeast of Kalispell, Montana, about 30 minutes by vehicle.

External links

• "Swan River National Wildlife Refuge". U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. http://www.fws.gov/bisonrange/swan/. Retrieved 2006-08-16. 
• "USGS Swan Lake (MT) Topo Map Quad". TopoQuest. http://www.topoquest.com/map.asp?z=12&n=5309407&e=287017&s=50&size=l&u=6&datum=nad83&layer=DRG25. Retrieved 2008-06-29.