Snow blankets a building at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge. Amanda Peacher / OPB

OPB has confirmed that there are children staying at the occupied Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.



The two young girls now staying at the occupied refuge are sisters, ages 8 and 9.

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Related: Too Many Captains Could Undermine Armed Occupation

OPB is not naming the kids, nor their parents, to protect the identity of the children, but the mother and father are active and vocal militants in the armed occupation. Both parents have been involved in the incident since its start Jan. 2.

The children were visible inside one of the buildings Thursday evening. One of the little girls asked to come outside by a campfire but was not allowed. The kids were also seen playing and wrestling together in a hallway in their pajamas.

The kids are from out of state and have been at the refuge since early this week. They spend most of their time out of sight of reporters and visitors.



The children's mother did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

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