Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, established in 2001, is located in St. Mary Parish in southeast Louisiana. The 9,028 acre refuge is composed of wet bottomland hardwood laced with bayous and canals. The primary mission of the refuge is to preserve and manage habitat for the threatened Louisiana black bear. Other objectives are to provide habitat for other fish and wildlife species, environmental education, and opportunities for public recreation. The refuge provides important habitat for the Louisiana black bear, a federally threatened subspecies of the American black bear. It also provides excellent habitat for wading birds, neotropical songbirds, waterfowl, and reptiles and amphibians. The refuge is open year round to the public from sunrise to sunset, with seasonal restrictions in some areas. The refuge can be accessed by vehicle, foot, or boat. Wildlife observation, boating and fishing are allowed on the refuge year round except in areas closed to public access. Hunting is permitted on the refuge in specific areas and under date, time, and lottery restrictions

The refuge is located in the coastal Louisiana towns of Franklin, Garden City and Centerville. The refuge lands can be accessed by vehicle, boat, and foot. The refuge headquarters is located east of Franklin, Louisiana on Scenic Hwy 182. If traveling from New Orleans on Hwy 90 (Future I-49) exit at the Garden City/Franklin Exit, take Hwy 3218 to Hwy 182, Turn west (left) on Hwy 182 and proceed 1.2 miles toward Franklin. The Headquarters office trailer will be located on the left and directly across from the Alice-C Road.