Effective October 15, the Bayside Drive at Laguna Atascosa NWR will be closed to private vehicles to protect endangered ocelots. Recent data from GPS tracking devices has verified that the core population of the refuge breeding population of ocelots resides within habitat in close proximity to the auto-tour loop. This data shows that ocelots frequently cross the drive at all times of the day and night. Two ocelots are known to have been killed by vehicles on the refuge in recent years despite speed humps and reduced speed limits. The public will have access to the Bayside Drive on foot, bicycle and by refuge guided tours. Also on October 15, the visitor center will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays due to staffing shortages. The refuge will remain open to visitors, who can use the self-pay station, however, no other services will be provided on those two days. The refuge has nearly 50 miles of walking trails, and the Lakeside Drive leading to the overlook at Laguna Atascosa lake, which will remain open to visitors. For more information please visit our website or call: www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa Marion Mason, Ranger Laguna Atascosa NWR Los Fresnos, TX 956-748-3607 ext 119 -- www.friendsofsouthtexasrefuges.org Edit your Freelists account settings for TEXBIRDS at //www.freelists.org/list/texbirds Reposting of traffic from TEXBIRDS is prohibited without seeking permission from the List Owner