Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge

Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Map showing the location of Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge
LocationGregory County, South Dakota / Boyd County, Nebraska, United States
Nearest cityPickstown, SD
Coordinates43°1′16″N 98°31′53″W / 43.02111°N 98.53139°W / 43.02111; -98.53139
Area1,085 acres (4.39 km2)
EstablishedDecember 19, 1974
Governing bodyU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
WebsiteKarl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge

Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge is located mostly in the southern part of the U.S. state of South Dakota, with a small extension into northern Nebraska, and includes 1,085 acres (4.39 km2) The refuge is a part of the Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge Complex and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Of the land area in the district, the U.S. Government owns only 780 acres (3.15 km2), while the remaining area is managed as an easement. The refuge is closed to the public but there are excellent viewing locations from the Ft. Randle Dam on the Missouri River. The Karl E. Mundt NWR has the largest concentration of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, with over 200 eagles often spending the winter on the refuge. The refuge was named for former South Dakota Senator Karl Mundt, who was a strong supporter of the Endangered Species Act of 1966.

Bald eagle about to land. Bald eagle females are slightly larger than males and can have an 8 ft (2.43 m) wingspan and weigh between 10 and 14 lb (4.53-6.35 kg)

The Karl E. Mundt NWR is centered on an area below the Ft. Randle Dam which is located on the Missouri River, and is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.