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Ozark Plateau
National Wildlife Refuge		 Bats in Oklahoma are insect eaters. Most only measure three inches in length with wingspans of about 10 inches.
Rt. 1 Box 18 A
Vian, OK   74962
E-mail:
Phone Number: 918-773-5251
Visit the Refuge's Web Site:
http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/oklahoma/Ozark/		 Ozark Plateau NWR encompasses caves that are the maternity sites for Ozark big-eared bat and offer protection to the gray bat.
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  Overview
Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge
Originally known as the Oklahoma Bat Caves National Wildlife Refuge, Ozark Plateau NWR was established for the protection of endangered bats and their habitat. The refuge is made up of several parcels of land located in northeastern Oklahoma. These parcels contain numerous caves considered crucial for the bats' survival.

To protect the fragile habitats provided by the caves and the forests surrounding them, this refuge is currently closed to the general public.


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Wildlife and Habitat
The refuge caves contain major hibernation and maternity sites for the endangered Ozark Big-eared bat. To a lesser extent, the caves offer protection to the Gray bat. In addition to the bats, a whole ecosystem of cave creatures, including blind cavefish, salamanders, and crayfish, benefit from the security of the caves. Some of these creatures are only native to Oklahoma nad are sometimes unique to each cave because of their isolation from one another.

The forested areas surrounding the caves are also important for bat foraging (bats eat insects, including moths and mosquitoes).

Migrating song birds also use the forested areas for breeding or migrating to their nesting areas further north.

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    Note
The refuge is closed to the public.




Recreation and Education Opportunities
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