Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge on the lower Colorado River in Arizona and California. It preserves habitat for desert bighorn sheep to the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher, birds and other animals. The refuge protects 30 river miles - of shoreline - from Needles, California, to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. One of the last remaining natural stretches of the lower Colorado River flows through the Topock Gorge. Animal species that inhabit this refuge include peregrine falcon, coyote, fox, desert bighorn sheep, greater roadrunner, bobcat, and cougar. Thousands of bats emerge from historic
Havasu Creek the trail and continuing downstream. The hike is long, difficult, and rugged, and it is advisable only for experienced hikers. The creek ends at the confluence, where there are some camping areas. This spot is also popular for river rafters to stop and to head up the canyon. Flooding is common along Havasu Creek. A government report lists 14 "historic floods" from 1899 to 1993. One such flood occurred on August 17, 2008, when the Redlands Dam on Havasu Creek burst after days of heavy rain. The floodwaters' threat to human life led local authorities to evacuate the village. Rescue