Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
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Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
What We Do
Facility Services
Projects & Research
Visit Us
Activities
Locations
Tours
Trails
Rules & Policies
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Events
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Library
Species
Map
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Albemarle Peninsula in eastern North Carolina. The refuge was established in 1984 to protect the rare pocosin wetlands and their associated wildlife. Pocosin wetlands grow on thick layers of peat and have stunted, shrubby vegetation. The refuge also protects swamp forest and is fringed with marsh. The vast protected area supports large populations of black bear, wintering waterfowl, river otter, and other wildlife species. In addition, the refuge is one of the only places in the world where you may see endangered red wolves in the wild.
Current Road Conditions on Alligator River NWR
Weather, repairs, and wildlife management activities have led to the temporary closures of several refuge units and roads.
Road Condition Updates
Refuge Map and Brochure
Map of refuge roads, trails, and amenities and refuge regulations.
Bear Safety
Learn how to safely behave around black bears on the refuge
Refuge Hunting Information
Regulations and permit information for hunting on the refuge
Visit Us
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From a multi-refuge Visitor Center full of exciting exhibits to the possibility of seeing charismatic mega-fauna like red wolves and black bear, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge offers year-round opportunities for learning and adventuring. The refuge is open year-round during daylight hours.
Maps and Brochures
Things to Do
Don’t miss the
National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center
on Roanoke Island and its state-of-the-art exhibits—all free!
Venture to the Dare County mainland to the refuge's popular
Murphy Peterson Wildlife Drive
, where locals compete to see who can count the most black bear in one evening. Wildlife abounds in the farming and moist soil management units along the Wildlife Drive. Wildlife are most active in the morning and evening.
Want to take a leisurely stroll? There are two half-mile, universally accessible
wildlife trails
in beautiful, quiet and secluded places.
If you are looking for adventure, a great way to explore the refuge is by canoe or kayak, using the refuge’s 15+ miles of color-coded Paddling Trails.
Enrich your experience by joining us for a
guided interpretive program or tour
. Ride on our open-air tram or learn about bears and other wildlife on the refuge!
For wildlife photographers, there are great photographic opportunities if you have patience and good equipment!
Hunting
and
fishing
are allowed on the refuge with restrictions.
Learn More About Visiting
Location and Contact Information
Learn More About Us
View Our Tours
What We Do
Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a
national wildlife refuge
national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge
is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.
More About What We Do
Our Species
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Our Library
Name
Tearsheet Map Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
PDF
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Alligator River and Pea Island NWR Interpretive Program Schedule
Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges offer a variety of fun and educational seasonal programs. During the summer, programs range from interpretive presentations to tram and canoe tours. During the off season (Sep-May), the refuges host bird walks and special events.
PDF
Apr 6, 2026
Name
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Regulations & Permit
The refuge hunting permit can be signed digitally or printed and signed.
PDF
Aug 29, 2025
Name
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Bird List
PDF
Name
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
PDF
Jun 8, 2007
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