Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge, Wildlife refuge in Washington County, Mississippi.
Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in Mississippi centered around Swan Lake, an oxbow lake formed when the Mississippi River shifted its course. The refuge contains forests, wetlands, and open water that provide habitats for waterfowl, wading birds, and other wildlife throughout the year.
The refuge was established in the 1930s to protect migratory birds and their habitats along the Mississippi River. It has grown into an important part of the regional conservation effort over the decades.
The refuge takes its name from the Yazoo tribe and functions as the headquarters for the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
The refuge is open year-round and best explored by car since most areas are not easily reached on foot. Visitors should drive slowly and watch for wildlife, especially during early morning and late afternoon hours when animals are most active.
The refuge maintains a population of American alligators, which nest in June with females protecting their eggs until hatching in late August.
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