Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge located in Iron County, Missouri. Refuge History: The land that is now Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge was once owned by the Pilot Knob Ore Company which began mining this land in the late 19th century. In 1987 the company generously donated this land to Uncle Sam. Some of the mine shafts are still in existence today and provide refuge for the endangered Gray Bat and Indiana Bat. The bats use the shafts for hibernation from the fall until the spring. There was a time when a third of the known world population of Indiana bats were believed to hibernate in the old mine. Wildlife: Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the home of numerous wild animals including the endangered Indiana bat and Gray Bat. Both bats have declined in numbers due to factors such as pollution, destruction of habitat, and spelunking. Please treat their home with respect. Due to the fragility of this ecosystem it is not open to the public.