Little River National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to the Little River National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge helps protect one of the last remaining stands of bottomland hardwood forest in southeast Oklahoma.  

Refuge History: The first human inhabitants of Little River National Wildlife Refuge were hunter/gatherer Native Americans of the Archaic Period over 12,000 years ago. Archeological evidence tells us that around 100 A.D. the culture began to change and started making pottery and harvesting crops. By the year 800 A.D. there was more evidence of farming and the culture emerged as the Caddoan-speaking people, who built mounds and practiced many ceremonial rituals. In the early 18th century the Caddoan tribe left the area and Europeans began to explore the region. In 1830 the "Trail of Tears" brought the Choctaw tribe and others from the east to the region. The Caddoan people left this area by the time Europeans explored Little River in the early 1700s. A century later, in 1830, the Choctaw indians arrived at the end of the "Trail of Tears". In the mid-20th century many of the region's forest fell to the loggers ax.  

Flora and Fauna: Little River National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the home of numerous plant and animals species. Some of the plants that grow inside the refuge boundaries include cypresses, willow oaks, white oaks, hollys, walnuts, pines, hickories, and sweet gums. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include mallards, teals, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, woodpeckers, herons, wild turkeys, beavers, rabbits, deer, raccoons, and alligators. Please treat their home with respect.  

For the lover of the outdoors Little River National Wildlife Refuge boasts awesome wildlife viewing opportunities and so much more. Come on out and explore.