Ranching and farming continued on the land until 1979. A few years later, the ranchland was acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in an effort to protect the water resources and provide habitat for endangered native fishes such as the Yaqui chub, Yaqui catfish and the Yaqui minnow. Birds Artesian wells and seeps create small areas of riparian forest, marshland, scrub and aquatic habitat. These various habitats attract many birds including ringneck duck, Mexican duck, sandhill crane, hummingbird and Gila woodpecker. Many species of raptors can also be seen here, including gray hawk, kestrel, golden eagle, zone-tailed hawk and peregrine falcon.
Many mammals inhabit the refuge.
There are mule deer, white-tail deer, javelina, raccoon, coyote, bobcat, badger, jackrabbit and cottontail rabbit. Though seldom seen, mountain lions generally live in areas of Arizona where deer are plentiful. Activities San Bernardino Refuge is open to birdwatching, hiking and photography, as well as dove, quail and cottontail rabbit hunting in season. Leslie Canyon NWR is closed to hunting and both refuges are closed to fishing.