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2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 218-768-2402 |
One purpose of the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge is to provide habitat for migratory birds, with special emphasis on waterfowl. Wild rice and wild celery beds in Rice Lake are especially attractive to migrating ducks and geese.
Grasslands provide food for Canada geese, deer, sandhill cranes, sharp-tail grouse, and other wildlife species. They also provide waterfowl and grassland bird nesting areas.Wood duck and other cavity nesting species production is supported by timber management practices which preserve cavity prone trees for the tree nesting species.
The Refuge's principal nesting species of ducks are mallard, blue-winged teal, American wigeon, and wood duck.Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge plays an important role in the management of ring-necks, and Rice Lake supports the largest concentration of migrating ring-necked ducks in the state, over 150,000 ring-necks can be found on the lake at one time during fall migration.
Diverse Habitat = Diverse Wildlife! Birds
The presence of a variety of habitat types and habitat management practices result in many wildlife species living here. Nearly two dozen species of hawks and owls frequent the area. Bald eagles are often seen, sometimes in large numbers, during spring and fall migrations, and two active nests are known to exist on the Refuge. Sharp-tailed and ruffed grouse are found in varying numbers.
Mammals
White-tailed deer and black bear are wildlife viewing favorites, and the sighting of a gray wolf is a possibility. Smaller mammals include red and grey fox, coyotes, mink, muskrat, beaver, river otter, fisher, raccoon, porcupine, skunk, weasel, and several species of squirrels.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians are commonly seen at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge and include several frog species, common toads, painted and snapping turtles, garter and green snakes, and salamanders.
Fish
Rice Lake is a natural spawning area for northern pike, suckers, and buffalo fish, which enter the lake from the Rice River in the spring. Other fish found on the refuge include yellow perch, walleye, crappie, black bullhead and bowfin.
