Swan River National Wildlife Refuge protects 1,778 acres along the Swan River floodplain in northwestern Montana as part of the National Bison Range Complex. Established chiefly to preserve high-quality bird habitat, especially for waterfowl, it includes wetlands, river edges, and surrounding areas that support abundant wildlife. The river has shifted toward the refuge’s western side because of silt buildup, but the broad floodplain remains central to its character. Observers have recorded 171 bird species here, including teals, great blue herons, and bald eagles, while mammals such as deer, elk, moose, black bear, coyote, bobcat, beaver, and occasional grizzlies also use the area.