Bottomland hardwoods, sloughs, and 11 oxbow lakes create a prime wintering area for migratory waterfowl and bald eagles at Ballard Wildlife Management Area located west of Paducah. Common year round sightings include beaver, coyote, deer, fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, squirrel and turkey. The WMA is closed mid-October to mid-March but a barrier-free observation platform with interpretive display and elevated wetland walkway are open year-round.
