Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Nature reserve in Bear Lake County, US.
Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve in Bear Lake County in southeast Idaho, made up of cattail marshes, open water, and flooded meadows. It sits in a high valley at an elevation ranging from around 5,900 to 6,800 feet (1,800 to 2,070 meters), along the northern edge of Bear Lake.
The refuge was created in 1968 and includes the Dingle Marsh, a wetland that was once part of a much larger lake that covered this valley. Over time, as water levels dropped, these low-lying areas became the marshes and meadows visible today.
The refuge draws birdwatchers who come to see geese, ducks, herons, and Trumpeter swans in their natural setting. The observation route gives a clear view of the reed beds and open water where wildlife activity is easy to follow.
The refuge is open to cars from mid-April to mid-October along a designated Wildlife Observation Route that passes several marshes and ponds. Coming early in the morning gives the best chance of seeing birds and other animals before the day warms up.
Trumpeter swans here often nest on top of muskrat lodges, using the raised mounds as dry, elevated platforms above the water. This behavior is rarely seen elsewhere and gives visitors a good chance of spotting large nesting birds from the observation route.
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