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

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
  • Maintain 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

  • Volunteers-rotator-rock2

    Have a WILD time!

    No matter what your talents or interests, we can use YOU as a Refuge Volunteer!

    Become a Refuge Volunteer

  • wildlifedrive-rotator-lewis

    Experience our Wildlife Drive

    The Murphy Peterson Wildlife Drive offers incredible experiences in wildlife viewing year-round

    Murphy Peterson Wildlife Drive

  • rotator-NWRVC-kowlok

    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

  • rotator-2014 Interns-heffley

    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

  • Mexico Monarchs AnnMarie Krmpotich/USFWS

    Monarchs On the Move

    The monarchs have left their wintering grounds in Mexico. Future generations of monarchs will make their way back to us this spring.

    Track their progress.

News & Refuge Happenings

Information Bulletins and Newsletters

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Follow this link for access to the latest information bulletins and other current refuge information. You'll love our refuge complex newsletter, WINGS. It's full of colorful photos and articles about all that happens on the refuges.

News Releases and Newsletters

Recent Bird Sightings

eBird Trail Tracker

eBird Trail Tracker ... Discover and report recent bird sightings on the refuge using Cornell Lab of Ornithology's eBird Trail Tracker.

eBird Tracker

Interpretive Programs

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all guided interpretive programs are postponed until further notice.

Printable Program

Wings Over Water

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We're watching the status of the pandemic to determine if we will be able to host Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival in 2021 - Experience wildlife and wild lands of northeastern North Carolina & six national wildlife refuges! Birding, paddling, photography & natural history. Click on link below for more information.

Wings Over Water
Refuge Policy on Drones

Policy on Unmanned Aerial Systems

Read information regarding Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) 'drones'

Refuge Drone Policy Details

About the Complex

Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Complex

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges 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