281 Wildlife Sanctuaries to Explore in United States

Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, located in Noble County, Indiana, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care of exotic animals. The sanctuary primarily focuses on providing a permanent home for animals that have been retired from circuses, abandoned, or confiscated from private ownership. Black Pine Animal Sanctuary strives to educate the public about responsible exotic animal ownership and the conservation of these species.

Black Point Wildlife Drive is one of the most beautiful and unique nature spots in the area. This six-mile loop located in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge features breathtaking views of a variety of landscapes and animals. Visitors can spot numerous species including alligators, herons, ospreys, bald eagles and many more. The boardwalk also provides opportunities to explore local marshes up close without disturbing the fragile environment.

Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area at 2,400 acres (9.7 km2) is an Idaho wildlife management area in Caribou County near the town of Soda Springs. The location of the WMA along the Blackfoot River was homesteaded by the Rasmussen family in 1883. It was sold to John Jay Stocking in 1907 and remained in the family for 3 generations before being purchased by the Conservation Fund in 1994, which sold it to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Blood Mountain Wilderness, located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, is a haven for anyone seeking a tranquil and unique outdoors experience. This 4,461 acre area features rolling mountain ridges along with tranquility and beauty. Additionally, Blood Mountain Wilderness boasts an abundance of cascading waterfalls that add to the picturesque landscape as well as diverse ecosystems.

A beautiful and wild 123-acre wildlife refuge and environmental education center in Denver, Colorado, located along Sand Creek on the eastern edge of the former Stapleton International Airport. It consists of a variety of native habitats including wetlands, short-grass prairie, a riparian zone and wetland woodland. it is free and open to the public, serving a role as unplanned open space for children and families in the nearby neighborhoods.

The Boise River Wildlife Management Area, situated along the Boise River in Idaho's Ada and Canyon Counties, covers about 1,100 acres. This area is a critical habitat for diverse wildlife species, offering a range of ecosystems such as riparian zones, wetlands, and upland shrub-steppe.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, situated in Kent County, Delaware, is a haven for diverse wildlife and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The refuge spans over 16,000 acres, encompassing tidal salt marshes, freshwater pools, grasslands, and woodlands. This diverse habitat attracts a wide array of wildlife, including migratory birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Welcome to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, a coastal haven of natural beauty, wildlife preservation, and outdoor adventure located in Baldwin County, Alabama! This pristine refuge, whose name means "Safe Harbor" in French, is a sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors seeking a peaceful escape into the heart of nature along the Gulf of Mexico.

Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge offers a landscape like no other. Established in 2000, it's comprised of more than 4,400 acres covering swampland, streams and upland forests. Visitors enjoy multiple trails for hiking and bird watching, as well as nature programs for children and adults alike. The swamp itself is home to several species of native wildlife including river otters, deer and turkey, while the uplands offer sightings of various birds and reptiles.

The Boundary Creek Wildlife Management Area, situated in Idaho's Boundary County, is a dedicated area for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. It serves as an important sanctuary for wildlife conservation and provides opportunities for responsible outdoor recreation, offering visitors a chance to experience and appreciate Idaho's diverse natural landscapes and wildlife.

The beautiful Broad River Wildlife Management is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located between the main stem of the Broad River and two oxbow lakes, the area provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, hunting, hiking and other outdoor activities. It consists mostly of mature hardwood forests with some small clearing for native grasslands and wetlands. The scrub pine flatwoods along the rivers also provide habitats for many plant and animal species.

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in Moffat County, Colorado. The refuge was established in 1980 to provide habitat for wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and black-footed ferrets. The refuge also protects the historic Brown's Park Ute Indian Reservation. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including sagebrush steppe, riverine forest, and marshes. There are also numerous hiking trails and camping sites.

The Buffalo National River Wilderness, located within the Ponca Unit of Buffalo National River, is a pristine and protected natural area that offers visitors the chance to experience the unspoiled beauty of the Buffalo National River and the surrounding Ozark Mountains. As part of the broader Buffalo National River region, this wilderness provides a remote and immersive experience for those seeking solitude, outdoor adventures, and a connection with the rugged landscapes of the Ozarks.

Buford Mountain Conservation Area in Iron County, Missouri is a hidden gem for nature lovers. With over 3,000 acres of land to explore, you'll never run out of hiking trails to wander on. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as deer, turkey, and even the elusive black bear. And let's not forget about the breathtaking views from the top of Buford Mountain itself, which can be reached via a steep but rewarding trek.

The C.J. Strike Wildlife Management Area, located in Elmore County, Idaho, is a vast expanse covering approximately 7,000 acres along the Snake River. This area is renowned for its diverse habitats, including wetlands, marshes, reservoirs, and riparian zones, making it a haven for various species of wildlife.

The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, is a natural wonderland and a critical sanctuary for the preservation of biodiversity in the heart of the Deep South. Spanning over 3,800 acres along the winding banks of the Cahaba River, this refuge is a haven for wildlife, native plants, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It plays a pivotal role in protecting one of Alabama's most ecologically significant river systems and offers visitors an opportunity to connect with the pristine beauty of the region.

The Camas National Wildlife Refuge, located in Jefferson County, Idaho, is a vital haven for migratory birds and diverse wildlife, nestled within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Encompassing over 10,000 acres, this refuge serves as a critical habitat for various waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife species.

The Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area, located in Camas County, Idaho, is a natural gem renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Spanning over 4,300 acres, this protected area encompasses wetlands, marshes, and grasslands, making it a haven for various species of birds, mammals, and plants.

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, situated in Louisiana, stands as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds, native wildlife, and unique ecosystems. Encompassing thousands of acres of freshwater marshes, prairies, and coastal wetlands, the refuge serves as a critical stopover point for birds migrating along the Mississippi Flyway.

Caney Creek Wilderness, located in Polk County, Arkansas, is a pristine and secluded area within the Ouachita National Forest that offers a true wilderness experience for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and backpackers. This remote and unspoiled wilderness is a haven for those seeking a rugged outdoor adventure and an escape into the heart of nature.