Bon Secour Refuge was initially founded to protect neotropical migratory songbird habitat and animals that were vulnerable. This refuge has served as a sanctuary for endangered and threatened species since 1980. Migratory birds use this area as a rest stop during fall and spring migration. Read about Wildlife at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge WildLife
Bon Secour Refuge Animals
You may spot hundreds of different species when visiting Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, but here are a few featured creatures to keep an eye out for next time!
Bon Secour Turtles
Green Sea Turtle
The maximum size of a sea turtle is 440 pounds and about 4 feet. Green sea turtles have a heart-shaped shell, small heads, and single-clawed flippers. An easy way to identify these creatures is to look for the four pairs of coastal scutes and one pair of prefrontal scales between the eyes.
Atlantic Ridley
The smallest, rarest, and most endangered sea turtle species, The maximum size of an Atlantic Ridley is about 100 pounds and 2 feet. They are also known as Kemp’s Ridley turtle. The Kemp’s Ridley turtle has a triangular-shaped head and somewhat hooked beak with large crushing surfaces. The upper shell has five pairs of coastal scutes. There are two pairs of prefrontal scales on the head.
Loggerheads
Adult loggerheads can reach up to 3 feet and weigh about 250 pounds. Loggerheads have large heads and powerful jaws. The top shell is slightly heart-shaped; The carapace has five pairs of costal scutes, with one touching the nuchal scute.
Bon Secour Birds
Snowy Plover
The snowy plover is part of the plover bird family. They are small and typically about 5-7 inches. A snowy plover has a large head and a short, slender bill. They also have a short tail.
Bon Secour Mice
Alabama Beach Mouse
Alabama beach mouse is a type of oldfield mouse found in the dunes of the Alabama coastline. They are brown and sometimes have a dark stripe along their back.
This is just a tiny glimpse into Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge species. For more information about the other species, check out the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge website Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge | Species | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov).