Wildlife_and_protected_species Yazoo_National_Wildlife_Refuge

young alligator sunning on log in yazoo national wildlife refuge

a unique opportunity intensive moist-soil management occurred when refuge purchased 240 acres (0.97 km) of abandoned catfish ponds known today cox ponds. ponds reshaped provide optimal bottom , side slopes, , each pond has own water control structure , drain. irrigation wells provide permanent water source each pond, giving refuge broad management options. rotating cycle of management treatments in these 14 ponds provides habitat waterfowl, shorebirds, long-legged waders, , other water birds. ponds managed moist-soil areas while others provide deep water habitat. frequent visitors cox ponds include white ibis, glossy ibis, little blue , great blue herons, great egrets, snowy egrets , wide variety of wintering dabbling , diving ducks. habitat provided southward-bound shorebirds (about 20 species) july 15 november. in 2003, first documented brood of black-bellied whistling ducks in mississippi photographed here. in august 2004, many thirteen grown ducks plus brood of 8 observed, indicating increasing population of tropical species.

the well-established wood duck nest box program produces 2,000 wood duck hatchlings year. boxes prepared in year , checked during nesting season track hatches , remove non-viable eggs.

in addition waterfowl, white-tail deer abundant; hunting allowed native game species except waterfowl.

opportunities wildlife observation excellent access diversity of habitats. american alligator common site in refuge lakes , swamps. endangered louisiana black bear observed. during fall, winter , spring, numerous visitors travel refuge roads observe diverse wildlife includes white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, bobcat, , otter.