Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge

Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1986 (formerly Oklahoma Bat Caves National Wildlife Refuge until 1995) to protect the federally threatened and endangered species found in the Ozark Plateau’s cave system, including the Ozark big-eared bat, gray bat, Indiana bat and Ozark cave fish. Above ground, the surface of this elaborate underground labyrinth is an old forest comprised of oak, hickory and ash, as well as rolling hills and rocky outcroppings. Many of the plant and animal species found here are not only specific to the Ozark Plateau but because of their isolated environment, are unique to the caves or springs in which they are found. Located in eastern Oklahoma, it is on the southwest edge of the Ozark Plateau and Boston mountains. The refuge consists of nine separate units covering four counties and totaling approximately 4,300 acres.

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