Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to the 538th refuge in the U.S. National Wildlife Refuge system, the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge located in the St. Mary Parish of southern Louisiana near Franklin.

Refuge History: In 2001, using the powers granted to them under the endangered species act, the U.S. Government established the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge in order to protect the habitat of the endangered Louisiana Black Bear. Some estimates say that as few as 300 of these bears still exist in the wild today. Thus it is important to safeguard it’s habitat.

Wildlife: Aside from the magnificent Louisiana Black Bear the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the habitat of numerous other wild critters including otters, raccoons, squirrels, deer, and numerous bird, reptile, and amphibian species. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge boasts many miles of waterways. Come on out and have a blast!