Ouray National Wildlife Refuge

09/03/2026

The Rocky Mountain elk is the only elk subspecies found in Utah and it’s even the state’s official mammal, designated back in 1971.

Elk swimming isn’t just a cool spectacle, it’s a powerful adaptation for survival, migration, and escape. Their hollow hair and natural buoyancy help them cross rivers, swim miles during seasonal movements, and even dive for short bursts underwater.

During the fall rut, you might hear their iconic bugle - a haunting call that ranges from a low rumble to a whistle reaching 4,000 Hz, echoing across entire valleys.

At Ouray NWR, Elk may be seen from the main road, auto route, or from one of the overlooks.

Video of an elk herd swimming in the river at Ouray NWR by S. March/USFWS

09/01/2026

We join our community in mourning the loss of federal wildlife officer David Taylor. We owe a great debt of gratitude for his service and his passion for protecting our wild spaces. This sudden loss reminds us all that life is short and fragile. Our hearts are with his family and everyone who knew him during this painful time. Thank you for your dedication, Officer Taylor.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is mourning federal wildlife officer David Taylor, 38 of Scio, Oregon, who is believed to have died while helping evacuate residents threatened by the Railroad South Fire.

Officer Taylor was going door to door alongside local emergency crews helping families get to safety. His last contact with dispatch came while he was helping a family evacuate their home. Evidence recovered from a structure where he was working to help a resident escape indicates that he died during the evacuation effort. Formal identification remains pending with the medical examiner.

Everything we know about David's actions reflects extraordinary courage, selflessness and devotion to duty.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, fellow officers and all who served alongside him. We will never forget his service.

08/31/2026

Please welcome our newest ssssstaff member! Their work ethic is impressive—really gopher-ing it!

This Great Basin Gopher Snake popped in for some teamwork vibes before we relocated them back to the great outdoors.

Native to much of the western United States (including Utah), they often mimic rattlesnakes by coiling and vibrating their tails as a defense mechanism.

They are non-venomous, widespread, and ecologically important. They primarily feed on rodents (like gophers, mice, and rats), small mammals, birds, eggs, and occasionally insects.

Observing them from a safe distance is the best way to appreciate their unique adaptations.

📹 Video of a Great Basin Gopher Snake slithering along a path by S. March/USFWS at Ouray NWR.

08/24/2026

The shoreline might look quiet – but it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet!

During last week's shorebird survey, a Greater Yellowlegs foraged across the mudflat, often dashing in pursuit of aquatic prey. They are easily identified by their long yellow legs, upright stance, high-stepping gait, and distinctive “teu teu teu” call. While they are generally quite solitary, they sometimes feed in loose groups and migrate in small flocks.

Greater Yellowlegs migrate earlier than most other shorebirds between their subarctic breeding grounds and wintering sites, which stretch from the southern United States all the way to Chile in South America.

📍Where to look: You can find Greater Yellowlegs in Leota Bottom during the fall migration from July through November and in the spring migration from March through May.

Video of a Greater Yellowlegs by S. March/USFWS at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge in Utah

08/24/2026

Before it was a refuge, it was already a destination. Established as a sanctuary for migratory birds on May 25, 1960, Ouray National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Colorado Plateau within the upper Colorado River drainage area. The Refuge stretches along 16 miles of the Green River, 120 river miles downstream of Flaming Gorge Dam.

About 150-230M birds are predicted to migrate across the U.S. each night this weekend!

Lights at night can be very disorienting to birds during their long fall migration. To help prevent deadly bird collisions, turn off or dim unnecessary lights!

Graphic: CornellLab, BirdCast