Established in 1935 for the preservation and propagation of migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, this is the largest national wildlife refuge in the state at 58,700 acres in size. It extends along the Souris River for 50 miles in north central North Dakota. The refuge serves as an important feeding and resting area for hundreds of thousands of waterfowl which annually migrate through the Central Flyway. More than 300 species of birds have been observed since the refuge was established. Nearly 125 species nest here. Gadwall, blue-winged teal, mallard, and Canada goose are the most numerous nesting waterfowl. Many interesting mammals can be found on the refuge. Animals such as beaver, mink, raccoon, and weasel can be found at home in the marshes. The higher ground, which includes the sandhills area of the refuge, harbors such animals as the white-tailed deer, moose, coyote, red fox badger, porcupine, and rabbit.
