Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge

Refuge History: The Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1981 in order to provide habitat for the endangered gray bat and Indiana bat. Over one million gray bats hibernate in this cave each winter making it the largest wintering colony of gray bats in the United States. Scientists believe that there may be an equal number of Indiana bats hibernating in the cave each winter.

Wildlife: Though small in size, this refuge is rich in animal life. Aside from the marvelous bats, Fern Cave is also home to over two hundreds species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals. (That's roughly one per acre). Some of these include northern slimy salamanders, honey-colored crickets, surface crayfish, bluegills, deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, songbirds, and many others. Please treat their home with respect.

Due to the fragility of this ecosystem, Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge is closed to all public access.