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

  • 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

  • monarch_caterpillar

    Monarchs are Heading North

    As of March 30 monarchs have been reported in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee. As they arrive in your area look for eggs and caterpillars.

    Report Your Sightings

News & Refuge Happenings

Information Bulletins and Newsletters

Bullfrog by Lweis X150

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

Creef Cut Trail-EE-X150

Click on 'Printable Program' (below) for a complete list of refuge interpretive programs. Questions? Call 252-216-9464. ATTN. Beginning March 1, weekly Pea Island Bird Walks are Temporarily Suspended During Construction at the Visitor Center We will post when they begin again, hopefully by May.

Printable Program

Wings Over Water

GWTeal-150x118

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival - Experience wildlife and wild lands of northeastern North Carolina & six national wildlife refuges! Over ninety trips & programs - birding, paddling, photography, art & natural history. Click on link below for more information.

Wings Over Water
Sneak Peek of the Refuge

Take a VIRTUAL TOUR of all things REFUGE!

AROnCellx150

Using your smart phone, a regular phone or your computer, take virtual tours of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Take a Virtual Tour!

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

NWRS Logo

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