(KLZA) --  Spring mushroom hunting season is open on Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge from April 10 to May 20. No permits are required for visitors to enter authorized areas of the Loess Hills east of Highway 159 for mushroom hunting. Recent rains and warm temperature are creating the spring time conditions that encourage morel mushroom fruiting. 

Refuge officials are concerned with the number of visitors entering unauthorized areas for mushroom hunting. Any violations for trespassing by visitors in the bottomlands or in any unauthorized Refuge property will be subject to citations and penalties. Mushroom hunting is permitted only on the east side of Highway 159 in the Loess Bluffs within Refuge boundaries. The rest of the Refuge is closed for mushroom hunting. Refuge boundaries are identified by “Blue Goose Boundary Signs.” Detailed maps showing the designated mushroom hunting areas can be obtained at the Squaw Creek Refuge headquarters or viewed on signage in Refuge parking areas. 

The bottomland areas are home to state endangered species such as the Western Massasauga Rattlesnake and species of concern such as Squaw Creek Refuge’s nesting Bald Eagles. Visitors must be aware that any disturbance in these areas can be detrimental to the floral, fauna, and wildlife habitats.