A Photo Appreciation of America’s National Wildlife Refuges
In a striking showcase of the natural beauty and biodiversity across the United States, various national wildlife refuges stand as sanctuaries for countless species and habitats. From the majestic bison roaming the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado, with the Denver skyline as a backdrop, to the vibrant flocks of snow geese taking flight over the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, these protected areas play a crucial role in conserving wildlife. Each refuge serves as a unique ecosystem, providing essential habitats for animals such as wild ponies in Virginia’s Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and harbor seals in California’s Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The diverse landscapes—from the coral-rich lagoons of the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument in American Samoa to the steep mountains of Alaska’s Izembek National Wildlife Refuge—highlight the rich tapestry of environments that these refuges protect.
Moreover, the ongoing conservation efforts are underscored by the legal battles faced by some of these areas. For instance, a coalition of tribal governments and environmental organizations has recently filed lawsuits against actions taken by the Trump administration that would permit road construction through Alaska’s Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. This highlights the tension between development and conservation, as advocates work tirelessly to protect these vital habitats from encroachment. As wildlife enthusiasts and advocates continue to champion these natural spaces, the significance of national wildlife refuges becomes increasingly evident—not just as havens for wildlife, but as critical components of the ecological fabric that sustains biodiversity and offers recreational opportunities for future generations.
Through the lens of stunning photography, such as the black skimmer gliding over Merritt Island in Florida or the polar bear traversing the snowy landscapes of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the article emphasizes the importance of these refuges in preserving the natural heritage of the United States. Each image serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife conservation, urging readers to appreciate and advocate for these irreplaceable ecosystems. As we reflect on the beauty and diversity of wildlife refuges, it becomes clear that their protection is not only vital for the species that inhabit them but also for the health of our planet as a whole.
Matt Dirksen / iStockphoto / Getty
A bison walks through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado, with the Denver skyline visible in the background.
Vicki Jauron / Babylon and Beyond Photography / Getty
Snow geese take flight in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico in winter.
Matt McClain /
The Washington Post
/ Getty
Wild ponies drink and graze in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on December 18, 2018, in Accomack County, Virginia.
Ian Shive / Planet Pix / ZUMA Wire / Reuters
Fish gather around coral in the lagoon surrounding Rose Atoll Marine National Monument and National Wildlife Refuge, the easternmost island of American Samoa.
Kristine Sowl / ZUMA Wire / Reuters
Steep mountains rise above the Joshua Green River Valley in Alaska’s Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. A group of tribal governments and environmental organizations
filed several lawsuits
this month against the Trump administration, trying to block recent actions that would allow a road to be built through the wildlife refuge.
Aric Crabb / Staff / ZUMA Wire / Reuters
An adult harbor seal watches over a pup as they lay out along the Newark Slough in the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Fremont, California.
Bruce Bennett / Getty
A black skimmer glides above the water in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida on February 9, 2025.
John Morrison / Getty
A herd of elk grazes in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, on the Missouri River in northern Montana.
Qian Weizhong / VCG / Getty
Blackbirds fly over Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in Yuma, Arizona, on February 22, 2023.
Ingrid Land / 500px / Getty
A view of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, on the island of Kauaʻi, Hawaii
David Patte / Planet Pix / ZUMA Wire / Reuters
Green sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs in the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge on Midway Atoll.
Sylvain Cordier / Gamma-Rapho / Getty
A polar bear walks across snow in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Laura Hedien / Getty
A pod of orcas swims through Uganik Bay in Alaska’s Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.
Stan Honda / AFP / Getty
A heron wades in shallow water in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville, Florida.
Susan Stocker /
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
/ Tribune News Service / Getty
Phill and Elizabeth Frias walk along the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Palm Beach County, Florida.
VW Pics / Universal Images Group / Getty
Canada geese swim in Lower Klamath Lake, with Mount Shasta in the distance, in California’s Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.
Tom Koerner / Planet Pix / ZUMA Wire / Reuters
A coyote hides in reeds while hunting in Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Sweetwater County, Wyoming.
KenCanning / iStockphoto / Getty
A snowy owl stands on a beach in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island in Massachusetts.
James R. D. Scott / Getty
A manatee swims through Three Sisters Springs in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Citrus County, Florida.
Peter Pearsall / Planet Pix / ZUMA Wire / Reuters
A tree swallow takes flight from a red-hot-poker bloom in the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex near Eugene, Oregon.
Charlie Riedel / AP
A woman watches snow geese fly over Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in Mound City, Missouri.
