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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
a view over a lake of a mountain with trees in fall foliage and reflected in the water

Seasons of Wildlife

Updated September 28, 2026

Visiting in every season

Check out our Beginners Guide to the National Wildlife Refuge System

Because wildlife behavior and plant characteristics change with the seasons, time of year is important when planning a visit to a national wildlife refuge. Learn about those seasonal variations and how best to enjoy them at wildlife refuges.

Fall Wonders
Two large brown antlered deer charge one another and butt heads
Winter Scenes
Six river otters walk out on the frozen surface of a river in winter at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming.
Spring Marvels
Red-breasted migratory birds called red knots crowd the water's edge to feed on the eggs of horseshoe crabs in spring in Mispillion Harbor in Delaware.
Summer Sights
A tiny sea turtle hatchling with ridges along it's back crawling on wet sand towards the ocean
Bright pink birds with round, spoon shaped bills wading in blue water
How Best Enjoy a National Wildlife Refuge
Experience wildlife and connect with the natural world.
A black and grey wading bird with a long curved neck and sharp orange beak
Recreate Responsibly
We need your help to ensure the safety of our visitors — both human and wild.

Related Stories

A Most Wonderful Time of the YearA woman cross-country skiing on a snow-covered trail with directional signs in the foreground and forest in the backgroundWeathering the ColdA big brown wooly animal with horns grazes in the snow at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge outside of Denver.Winter in the Heart of AlaskaA long view of a snowy field with the bright yellow sun shining just at the horizonFall FishingA smallmouth bass swims near some woody debris. The fish is greenish in color with a white belly.Fall for Autumn on Northeast RefugesA stream cutting through a beautiful forest, whose trees' leaves are orange, yellow, red and greenHighlighting Spring EphemeralsYellow marsh marigold in bloom
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