A Place Where Eagles Soar
Karl Mundt National Wildlife Refuge, also administered from the Lake Andes NWR office, is located below the Fort Randall Dam along the west bank of the Missouri River. Large mature cottonwood trees comprise over 60% of the available riparian habitat for eagles. It is from these high treetops that bald eagles perch, searching the river for fish in the water below. These cottonwoods, combined with the availability of a primary diet of fish, make the Karl Mundt Refuge ideal habitat for nesting and wintering bald eagles. While the Karl Mundt Refuge is closed to the public, these impressive birds with a wingspan of up to eight feet, may be seen from an observation point below the Fort Randall Dam.
Last updated:
November 19, 2008
