Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
During the current public health emergency, whenever possible, outdoor recreation sites at national wildlife refuges will remain open to the public. For now, refuge visitor centers and other public facilities may be closed and most scheduled events have been postponed.

For local conditions review the information on this website and call ahead.

If visiting one of our location, please ensure public health and safety by following guidance from the CDC and state and local public health authorities. You can do this by maintaining social distancing, avoiding overcrowding and excercising good hygiene. For more information: FWS Coronavirus Response page.

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News

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

Proposed Minor Changes to Hunt Program

Bayou Teche Refuge is proposing minor changes to hunt program through the 2020-21 regulatory process. Please see attached document explaining the changes. Comments may be submitted to Kate Harrigan, National Chief of Hunting and Fishing, at katherine_harrigan@fws.gov

Proposed Minor Changes to Hunt Program with downloadable Categorical Exclusion Checklist

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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