Wildlife & Habitat
The refuge was established in 1985 for the protection and conservation of this unique environment as well as migratory and resident wildlife. Banks Lake is natural pocosin or sink of ancient geologic origin. The refuge contains a variety of habitat types including 1,000 acres of marsh, 1,644 acres of cypress swamp, 900 acres of open water, and 15 acres of uplands.
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Alligator
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Osprey
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Sandhill Cranes
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Cypress Swamp
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Open Water
Page Photo Credits – Gator Eyeshine: Jasmine Olsen, Osprey: © Cindy McIntyre, Sandhill Crane Cindy McIntyre/USFWS, Cypress: Art Webster/USFWS, Open Water: Jasmine Olsen
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2014