Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. With the refuge's primary mission of providing habitat for native wildlife, this nearly 100,000 acres provides for a wide diversity of species. Visitors can enjoy many birds including green jays, plain chachalacas, Harris's hawks, white-tailed hawks, olive sparrows, Altamira orioles, and aplomado falcons. Fall and spring bring migratory songbirds and peregrine falcons, and winter is the time to see sandhill cranes, white-fronted geese, redhead ducks and many other waterfowl.

Common mammals include bobcat, coyote, javelina, Mexican ground squirrel, and white-tailed deer. More elusive are the endangered ocelot and jaguarundi.

Reptiles include American alligator, indigo snake, Texas tortoise, western diamondback rattlesnake and coral snake. The South Padre Island Unit provides nesting habitat for sea turtles--- Kemp's ridley, loggerhead, hawksbill and Atlantic green.

Visitors can connect with nature through a variety of activities including hunting, wildlife observation and photography, bicycling, hiking and interpretive tours and programs. A visitor center with exhibits, restrooms, and a nature store is available.

For more information, including hours of operation and tour schedules, please visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa or call the visitor center at (956) 748-3607, ext. 111 or (956) 244-2019.