When you want to view wildlife in Mississippi, you don’t have to travel far. Whether you hop on a hiking trail, visit a lake, or even stop by your local city park, you’re certain to find everything from chipmunks to alligators! Here’s a wildlife refuge that’s a great place to view and photograph animals in their natural habitat, and if you’re interested in seeing alligators up close, this is the place to go.

The Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is located in Starkville, Mississippi.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/flickr Click here for directions to the refuge.

The refuge covers 48,000 acres and provides a safe habitat for many birds and animals. With its gorgeous and mysterious lakes, this refuge is the perfect place to see all kinds of animals up close — including alligators.

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge/Google

The hiking trails and boardwalks throughout the refuge are open to visitors seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset.

Debisree Ray/Google

Take a stroll through the lush, green surroundings here to see tons of different wildlife species, including deer…

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

…raccoons, skunks, possums…

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

…and birds of all kinds.

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

The most sought-after animals at this refuge are the alligators. Reaching sizes up to 18 feet in length, these monsters of the swap can live for as long as 50 years.

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

Keep a close eye on the waters surrounding you… you just might see an alligator! Spring and fall are the best seasons to spot these beasts.

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

From little guys hanging out on the banks…

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

…to giant gators dining on big fish, these alligators are certain to fill you with awe and wonder.

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

What are you waiting for? If you’d like to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, you should make plans to visit soon.

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook While the boardwalks and trails are open seven days a week, the Visitor Center is only open on select days. Visit Wednesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge’s website, and check out its Facebook page for some great wildlife photos, and current events.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/flickr

Click here for directions to the refuge.

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge/Google

Debisree Ray/Google

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

While the boardwalks and trails are open seven days a week, the Visitor Center is only open on select days. Visit Wednesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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