Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information
  • Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

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    Looking for an Internship?

    Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and other refuges in eastern North Carolina offer internship experiences rivaled by no others.

    Learn More about Internships

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    Gateway to eastern NC Refuges

    The National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center on Roanoke Island is open daily, year-round, is FREE, and offers the experience of a lifetime!

    National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center

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    Hunting

    The refuge allows gun hunting for deer on the Pungo Unit by special permit only and issues a limited amount of applications.

    Learn More

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    Wildlife Observation

    Bear and deer can often be observed along refuge roads or feeding in farm fields in the Pungo Unit.

    Learn More

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    Walter B Jones Sr Center for the Sounds

    Stop by the Refuge Visitor Center for warm, friendly greetings and current information. Open 9-4, Tuesday-Sunday, April though November.

Headlines! Read all about it!

Current HUNT LEAFLET and PERMIT

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Download your leaflet here, or drop by the refuge to pick up a paper copy! The downloaded leaflet will print on 4 8.5 X 11 sheets.

Download now

Black Bear

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Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge has what is believed to be one of the largest concentrations of black bear found in the southeastern United States. Limiting factors on black bear on the refuge have been identified as the amount of blackgum mast, habitat disturbance, and availability of escape cover. (photo courtesy of Beryl Ivens)

Learn More

Information Bulletins

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Keep up with current information for NC National Wildlife Refuges!

What's in the News??

We manage habitat!

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Many young people think Wildlife Biologists handle baby animals all day. On the contrary, our claim to fame is we manage DIRT! Often, the closest we get to wildlife is seeing tracks or scat they leave behind... or feathers!

Resource Management
Take A Virtual Tour

Take a Virtual Tour of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

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There's nothing like experiencing this refuge in person, but take a sneak peek to give you a hint of what's in store for you here!

Take a virtual Refuge tour!

About the Complex

North Carolina Coastal Plain National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the North Carolina Coastal Plain National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online