Arizona's Wildlife Refuges
Welcome to Arizona's Wildlife Refuges! As a first time visitor or resident, you are sure to be amazed and inspired by the incredible array of wildlife and habitats that make up this beautiful state. You might be wondering what exactly is a "Wildlife Refuge"? They are areas that are set up for the protection of wild animals and plant life. They are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, which is a unique system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America's wildlife, fish and plants. Due to this uniqueness, hunting and fishing are usually either prohibite or strictly controlled in these areas. They can also contain some of the most spectacular landscapes found in the world.
Managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Refuges are an important part of the Southwest. Refuges provide opportunities for just some of the following:
- Monitoring plant and animal populations;
- Restoring wetland, forest, grassland, and marine habitats;
- Understanding the complex relationship between people and wildlife through the integration of social science;
- Managing habitats through manipulation of water levels, prescribed burning, haying, grazing, timber harvest, and planting vegetation;
- Reintroducing rare fish, wildlife and plants to formerly occupied habitats;
- Monitoring air quality;
- Preventing and controlling wildlife disease outbreaks.
Here in Arizona, from the Sonoran Desert to the Grand Canyon, the state is home to an incredible variety of animals, plants, and ecosystems that are perfect for wildlife watching and exploration. With over 40 refuges and wildlife areas, you can explore a variety of habitats, including wetlands, deserts, and forests, and see some of the most spectacular wildlife in the country. In addition, you can also take part in educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and recreational activities such as fishing (remember some are either prohibited or controled, so be sure to find out before hand), hiking, and camping. So come explore Arizona's Wildlife Refuges and discover the beauty and diversity of this amazing state!
Special Notes: The three main things that we always like to stress while exploring or visiting any places are:
The following Wildlife Refuges are located in Arizona and provide visitors a great place to interact with nature, view wildlife in their natural environment. For photographers, hikers and would be scientists, they can be dream locations.
Bill Williams River N.W.R. (Lake Havasu City, AZ) |
Buenos Aires N.W.R. (Sasabe, AZ) |
Cibola N.W.R. (Cibola, AZ) |
Havasu N.W.R. (Lake Havasu City, AZ) |
Cabeza Prieta N.W.R. (Ajo, AZ) |
Imperial N.W.R. (Yuma, AZ) |
Kofa N.W.R. (Yuma, AZ) |
Leslie Canyon N.W.R. (Douglas, AZ) |
San Bernardino N.W.R. (Douglas, AZ) |
|