Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge located in the floodplains of the Atchafalaya River roughly 30 miles west of the State Capitol. Refuge History: The Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1986 in order to, protect wetlands and migratory bird habitat, fulfill international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife, and provide opportunities for education, scientific research, and recreation. Wildlife: The cypress swamps, bottomland hardood forests, lakes, and meandering bayous of the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge help protect the habitat of numerous wild animals including skunks, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, muskrats, otters, beavers, bobcats, bears, raccoons, deer, wild turkeys, eagles, ospreys, and many others. Please treat their home with respect. For the lover of the outdoors this refuge boasts many hiking trails, campgrounds, and opportunities for the angler catch bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Come on out and have a blast!