Spring mushroom hunting season is open on the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge until May 20. No permits are required to enter authorized areas of the Loess Hills east of Highway 159 to look for mushrooms.

Refuge officials say recent rains and warm temperatures are creating conditions good for morel mushroom fruiting.

Officials are concerned with the number of visitors entering unauthorized areas for mushroom hunting. Trespassing in the bottomlands or in any unauthorized Refuge property will be subject to citations and penalties.