Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

Child holding an Eastern lubber grasshopper

Junior Ranger Activities

Check out some fun nature activities you can do while social distancing!

Junior Ranger Activities 2020

News

Name That Pond Contest

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Help us name the refuge pond off of Steven R. road in Franklin, LA! This great public use site now has a floating dock, interpretive kiosk, and will soon have a hiking trail. Here’s how you can submit your idea for a name: 1. Visit Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge and take a selfie at the refuge! The Garden City Boardwalk OR the Steven R. road pond are great locations to explore. 2. Send your selfie and your name suggestion to bayouteche@fws.gov or post it on Facebook@SoutheastLouisiana 3. Tell us why you chose the name for the pond by 4 p.m. Jan. 5, 2021. The top 5 names for a final vote will be announced for a final vote on January 6, 2022 on our website and on Facebook. The pond's name will be announced via Facebook LIVE on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10 a.m.

Learn more about the contest here

Refuge Hunting Opportunities

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Bayou Teche National Wildife Refuge is subject to Louisiana hunting regulations and seasons. Hunters must also follow Refuge regulations and carry a FREE signed Refuge hunting permit. The Bayou Teche individual Hunting/Fishing brochure/permit is now combined with Bayou Sauvage, Bogue Chitto, Big Branch Marsh, Delta and Mandalay National Wildlife Refuges brochure/permit into a single, general Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex Annual User Brochure and Regulations 2021-2022.

Download Brochure/Permit here

Birding the Refuge

Painted Bunting. Photo credit Jon Flores

Bayou Teche's bottomland hardwood forests and freshwater marshes provide food and shelter for many bird species. The forest habitat is especially important for neotropical migrants upon their spring return from Central and South America.

Learn More About Where to Birdwatch on the Refuge

Take a Virtual Tour of the Refuge

View from boat of entrance to Black Bear Bayou

Join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a virtual tour of Black Bear Bayou. Follow Black Bear Canal and see if you can spot the alligator sunning on a small island!

Take a Virtual Boat Tour of Black Bear Bayou
Paddling the Refuge

Paddling Bayou Teche

Spanish moss draped cypress trees, the graceful flight of a white egret against the blue sky, the sound of cicadas...this is the backdrop to a paddling adventure on Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge.

Bayou Teche Paddling and Hiking Trails Map

About the Complex

Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges

Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges .

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online