U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Input Sought on Reopening Drive at Texas Ocelot Refuge

Concerns about protecting endangered ocelots from vehicles but allowing the public to view the cats could mean changing a road entrance at a South Texas refuge.

The Valley Morning Star reports officials at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge seek public input on possibly reopening part of Bayside Drive.

Refuge manager Boyd Blihovde said Tuesday that the 15-mile loop has been temporarily closed to private vehicles since last October. Visitors can still hike and bike the trail or take guided tours.

Blihovde says one suggestion would be to move the entrance to Bayside Drive to an area that would avoid prime ocelot habitat.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Federal Highway Administration are drafting proposals. Public comment will be accepted through Oct. 15.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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