Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information
  • Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

News

Wild Things 2020 Postponed

Acting out of an abundance of caution and following guidance from the Center of Disease Control, we are postponing Wild Things, which was scheduled for October of 2020. Our actions are consistent with actions undertaken by other community organizations. We understand that people across the community will miss this event; however, we are committed to doing our part to ensure public safety and to slow the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the situation and to provide relevant guidance. We will reschedule when it is prudent to do so. Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex will celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week October 11-17, 2020 by hosting the annual Youth Art Contest associated with Wild Things. K-12th grade students from across the state are encouraged to participate in this great opportunity. Contest awards will be presented via a virtual awards ceremony that will be held in October. For more information about upcoming virtual National Wildlife Refuge Week events and the Youth Art Contest, visit us on Facebook at @SoutheastLouisiana

More about the Youth Art Contest at this link

Alert: Covid-19 Information

In keeping with guidance from the White House and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and acting out of an abundance of caution, the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex is temporarily suspending operations of the Bayou Lacombe Visitor Center. Refuge staff is committed to doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, and visitors. Therefore, planned Refuge events and programs may not take place as scheduled. Refuge lands, including nature trails and outdoor recreational facilities, remain open and accessible to the public to provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

More Information at this link

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

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
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
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