Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge is part of the United States National Wildlife Refuge System, located in the Cape Haze area of Charlotte County. The 20-acre (81,000 m2) refuge was established on October 23, 1908. The National Wildlife Refuge System consists of over 570 national wildlife refuges that protect the country's ecosystems and the wildlife that live in them. Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge was created as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds, which contains brackish water and mangroves. Some animals that can be found at the refuge include migratory birds, West Indian Manatees, osprey, wood storks, and occasionally alligators and crocodiles. The Island Bay Wilderness (which was established on October 23, 1970) covers the same area as the refuge.