The National Wildlife

Refuge System is an

extensive network of

lands and waters

protected and managed

especially for wildlife

and its habitat. Refuges

stretch across the United

States from above the

Arctic Circle in Alaska

to the subtropical waters

of the Florida Keys and

beyond to the Caribbean

and South Pacific.

The National Wildlife

Refuge System is

administered by the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service which protects

and manages over 500

refuges for wildlife and

for people to enjoy.

Introduction

Alligator River National Wildlife

Refuge, established in 1984 and

located on the mainland of eastern

North Carolina, contains

approximately 152,000 acres. The

refuge was established to protect and

manage unique forested wetland

communities and associated wildlife

species.

Background

Long ago, the area that now

comprises Alligator River National

Wildlife Refuge was considered by

most people to be a vast wasteland.

Visitors to the Outer Banks from the

west made special effort to complete

their journeys before dark, lest they

risk a vehicle breakdown in “noman’s land.” Frightening stories of

bears, snakes, and other creatures

coupled with the mile after

uninhabited mile on both Highways

64 and 264 made the casual traveler

cautious, if not suspicious, of being

stranded there.

In the late 1970’s, biologists began to

realize that many wetland

communities were being destroyed at

an alarming rate, including the

Alligator River

National Wildlife

Refuge has large

acreage of

pocosin habitat.

“Pocosin” is a

native American

word meaning

“swamp on a

hill.” These

wetlands are

characterized by

deep organic soils

resulting in peat

deposits that can

hold vast

quantities of

water. However,

when dry, these

pocosins are

highly susceptible

to wildfire, with

the possibility of

a subsurface fire

that can burn for

months.

Joe Folta

USFWS
pocosins that covered almost half of

this area. Before that time, no one

had made an effort to determine

exactly what role these wetlands

played in the overall scheme of

environmental complexities. A closer

look at these sponge-like wetlands

revealed a significant role indeed. In

fact, the functions of the pocosin

impacted the quality of the

environment in a big way—especially

relating to diversity of wildlife and

water quality.

Throughout the coastal plain,

pocosins were drained and then

logged or farmed. Vast areas were

clear-cut for the old growth cypress

or Atlantic white cedar. The market

price on this lumber supported the

costly mechanics of retrieving it from

such an inaccessible habitat. At the

same time, “superfarms” were

springing up throughout the region. Pocosins were going, going,....

Through the concerted efforts of

several private conservation

organizations and federal and state

land management agencies, a

campaign was launched to stop the

destruction of these pocosin habitats

before it was too late. Alligator River

National Wildlife Refuge was

established through a donation of

118,000 acres from Prudential Life

Insurance Company. It has reached

its current size through purchases

made with Congressional

appropriations. The refuge was set

aside to protect and manage the

area’s unique wetlands and the

wildlife species that use them. Also

targeted in the objectives for the new

refuge were endangered and

threatened species, waterfowl, black

bear, and both consumptive and nonconsumptive wildlife dependent

recreation.

A Place

for Wildlife

Many species of

wildlife call

Alligator River

National Wildlife

Refuge home.

The refuge bird

list suggests that

200 species of

birds spend at

least a portion of

their time here.

Many

neotropical

migrants, such

as prothonotary

warblers, prairie warblers,

Swainson’s warblers, worm-eating

warblers, and red-eyed vireos nest in

the thick pocosin vegetation. Wood

ducks, barred owls, and other cavity

nesters seek the old trees inevitably

left by loggers due to their

inaccessible locations. Endangered

and threatened species found on the

refuge include the American alligator,

American bald eagle, peregrine

falcon, red wolf, and the redcockaded woodpecker. The refuge is

also home to one of the largest

remaining concentrations of black

bear along the mid-Atlantic coast.

The role of management is significant

on this refuge. Before man began

altering the environment, nature

provided processes to recycle

nutrients and provide a network of

Steve Maslowski USFWS Odie Olsen John and Karen Hollingsworth©

USFWS
living spaces to meet the needs of a

variety of wildlife. Wildfires caused

by lightning provided diverse

habitats, which provided homes for

many species. Man’s biggest impact

on wetland habitats has been the long

term tendency to ditch and drain.

Changing the hydrology of the entire

system impacted every part of that

system. Peat soils were meant to hold

water. Besides the subtle impacts on

the species that were dependent on

the original water regime, draining

these peat soils caused a tremendous

fire hazard. Fires that burn in the

drained pocosins are very difficult to

control. Without raising the water

table for the entire area, firefighters

are helpless to control these fires

that can burn underground for miles

and for months.

Red Wolf Program

The red wolf was in trouble long

before Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge existed. Native to

the southeastern part of the United

States, the species had been

eradicated from all but a small

segment of its original range. By the

early 1970’s, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had captured the few

remaining red wolves and declared

the species extinct in the wild.

Through captive breeding, red

wolves were maintained while a

suitable location was found to

reestablish them back into the wild. For red wolves, Alligator River

National Wildlife Refuge offered

hope.

By 1986, a fiveyear experiment

to rebuild a selfsustaining red

wolf population in

the wild began on

the refuge.

During the

experiment, red

wolves proved

that they could

adapt to life in

the wild and that

they could find

food and avoid

people. That was

the necessary

combination for

success. Today,

red wolves roam

wild and free in

eastern North

Carolina.

Management

Activities

Hydrological

Restoration

A major refuge

objective is to

restore historical

water levels and

natural flooding

regimes that

have been altered

by past logging

and farming

operations. This

is being

accomplished by

plugging manmade drainage

ditches and

installing water

control

USFWS

Steve Maslowski USFWS
structures that allow the seasonal

manipulation of water levels, thus

mimicking historical natural

conditions. To enhance sheet flow

through wetlands, culverts are being

installed in key locations underneath

roads. These activities not only

restore valuable fish and wildlife

habitat and increase biodiversity, but

also reduce wildfire danger.

Moist Soil Management

A 5,100-acre agricultural area, a

former “superfarm”, was added to

the refuge several years after its

establishment. This farmland offered

a turn-key operation for waterfowl

management. Currently, the area is

divided into moist soil management

units, agricultural lands (farmed by

cooperative farmers), and semipermanent water. Approximately

1,800 acres of farmland are diked and

have water control structures.

Although management of these moist

soil units focuses on waterfowl,

numerous other wildlife species

benefit. The remaining 3,000 acres of

farmland are actively farmed

through our cooperative farming

program. Good water management is

critical to the success of both moist

soil management and farming.

Again, by providing diverse habitats,

the refuge provides for many wildlife

species.

Wildlife Censuses, Inventories,

and Nesting Programs

A number of census programs are in

place to monitor various wildlife

populations ranging from American

alligators to neotropical migrants.

The black bear

population is

monitored through

track count surveys

and use of bait

station lines.

Monitoring

red-cockaded

woodpeckers on

refuge lands is

especially

challenging due to

the pond pine

pocosin habitat. Wood duck boxes

have been erected

throughout

waterways of the

refuge to provide

nesting cavities.

Waterfowl Banding

The refuge bands wood ducks in the

late spring and early summer.

Depending on the focus species for

the Service or special research

projects, a number of waterfowl

species may be targeted for banding

during any given year.

Atlantic White Cedar Reforestation

To assess the status of white cedar

regeneration in clear-cuts and

natural stands, a research project has

recently been completed. Data from

this project will be used for

management decisions regarding this

habitat type. Another study began in

1998 to assess physical and ecological

functions of the white cedar forests.

The refuge inherited over 8,000 acres

of white cedar in various stages of

regeneration.

Bonnie Strawser

Tom Eagle USFWS
Alligator River

A l b e m a r l e S o u n d

P a m l i c o

S o u n

d

Atlantic

 Ocean

Croatan Sound

Intracoastal

Waterway

 Lake

Mattamuskeet

12

12

Frying

Pan Landing

Columbia

Stumpy

Point

Engelhard

Manteo

Elizabeth City

17

158

64

264

94

64

37

Alligator River

National Wildlife Refuge

N 0 Miles 10

0 Kilo 10

Alligator

River

National Wildlife Refuge

Laurel Bay Lake

Milltail

Creek

South Lake

Spencers

Creek

Sawyer

Lake

Manns Harbor

Milltail

Creek

UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY

PROHIBITED U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

NATIONAL

WILDLIFE

REFUGE

Refuge

Boundary Sign

Creef Cut 

Wildlife Trail

64

264

64

64

264

Brier Hall Rd

Dipper Rd

Laurel Bay Rd

Hook Rd

Buffalo

City Rd

N Perimeter Rd

Twiford

 Rd Sawyer Lake Rd

Pump

Rd

Deep

Bay

Road

Mallard

Rd SR 1102

 (Lake 

Neighborhood Rd)

Wood

Duck Rd

Beaver

Rd River

Rd Hickory

Rd Wynne Rd

Osprey Rd

Phantom 

North Rd

Phantom 

South Rd

Poplar

Ridge Rd 

Reuben

Rd 

Possum

 Rd 

Pole Rd

Grassy

Patch Rd

Dry

Ridge

North 

Rd

Sandy

Ridge Rd

Butler Rd

Milltail Rd

Milltail Rd

Bay

 Rd

Cypress

Rd

Koehring

Rd

Blueberry

Rd

Bobcat

Rd

Link

Rd

Grouse

Rd Bear

Rd

Borrow

Pit Rd

Long

Curve

Rd

Cub

Rd

Creef Rd

Peterson Rd

Milltail

Rd

Creef Cut Rd

Sprigtail Rd

GadwallRd

Sandy

Ridge

North Rd

New Causeway

under construction

To Manteo

Sandy Ridge

Wildlife Trail

Wildlife Trails

(foot traffic onlyhandicapped accessible)

Wildlife Drive

Handicapped Priority 

Fishing Pier

Refuge Maintenance 

Facility

Parking

U.S. Highway

Unpaved Road-improved

Unpaved Road

Private Land

Farming Area

Milltail Canoe/

Kayak Trails

 1.5 miles (loop)

 2.0 miles (one way)

 4.0 miles (one way)

 5.5 miles (one way)
Bottomland Hardwood Restoration

Historically, bottomland hardwood

communities occupied much of the

mineral soils found on the refuge.

Habitat management actions will be

directed at restoring as much of this

valuable wildlife habitat as possible on mineral soils, as opportunities arise.

Special Studies

In cooperation

with universities,

special wildlife

or habitat

studies are

undertaken on

the refuge.

Examples of

these studies

include

monitoring and

evaluating the

resident black

bear population, evaluating the

effects of agricultural practices on

bobwhite quail populations, and

ecological studies. The refuge

encourages outside entities to

propose wildlife projects on refuge

lands. Selected projects must benefit

the refuge, as well as provide needed

information on wildlife populations or

habitats.

Fisheries Management

Little is known about fisheries

resources on the refuge; recreational

fishing is a popular activity. Fisheries

resource definition and development

of a fisheries management plan are

underway.

Alligator River National Wildlife

Refuge. . . a place for people, too!

Alligator River National Wildlife

Refuge is open to public use yearround. Though remote and

inaccessible, the refuge offers a

challenge to the adventurous outdoor

person. Birders, photographers, and

lovers-of-the-outdoors find the

refuge intriguing, but somewhat

difficult in which to maneuver. Many

roadways are open to the public for

walking or driving. Caution should be

used on refuge roads, as they may be

impassable during wet weather.

Creef Cut Wildlife Trail and Fishing

Area is fully handicapped accessible.

This half-mile, paved trail leads to a

50-foot boardwalk with an

observation platform that overlooks

Creef Moist Soil Unit and a 250-foot

boardwalk over a freshwater marsh.

Look for waterfowl during the winter

months. You may also see black bear,

woodpeckers, and birds of prey. At

the beginning of the trail, behind the

interpretive kiosk, is a handicapped

accessible fishing dock. All are

welcome to fish here; however, the

dock is designated “handicapped

priority.” Fish are naturally

replenished from South Lake.

USFWS

Bonnie Strawser Bonnie Strawser
Users of the Milltail Creek Canoe/

Kayak Trails indicate that perhaps

the best way to see the refuge is by

water. Canoes, kayaks, or small

motor boats may be launched from

the south end of Buffalo City Road. Four trails, totaling 15 miles, have

color-coded markers to guide visitors

through remote waterways where a

variety of wildlife and habitat types

can be viewed.

Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail is also a

fully handicapped accessible trail. It

offers a 2,300-foot boardwalk and an

overlook to view Milltail Creek. The

trail dead-ends one-half mile from its

beginning. It wanders through Atlantic white cedar stands and by

beaver cuttings, wood duck boxes, and

prothonotary warbler nesting areas. Keep your eyes peeled for rare sun

dews. During the winter months, you

might even hear the howl of a red wolf!

Hunting and

fishing are very

popular activities

on Alligator River

National Wildlife

Refuge. Hunting

is allowed on most

of the refuge

during State

seasons and in

accordance with state regulations.

A permit is

required to hunt

on the refuge.

While white-tailed

deer is the main

species hunted, a

variety of small

game is also hunted, such as squirrels,

rabbits, quail, and mourning doves. A

current hunt brochure will provide the

necessary permit and up-to-date

information about the hunting program. Fishing is also allowed on the refuge in

accordance with State regulations.

Bonnie Strawser Larry Ditto
Regulations

The refuge is open during daylight

hours only (from 1/2 hour before

sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.

Camping, open fires, feeding or

baiting of wildlife, swimming in refuge

canals, or entering any area posted

with “Area Closed” signs is prohibited.

All domestic pets (dogs, cats, horses,

etc.) must be properly confined,

leashed (10-foot maximum), or haltered

and under owner control at all times.

Littering or dumping of garbage,

refuse, sewage, debris or other

wastes or poisons in prohibited.

The use of a spotlight, automotive

headlight, or other artificial light to

spot, observe, locate, or take any

animal on the refuge is prohibited. Taking, possession, injuring,

disturbing, damaging, destroying, or

collecting any plant or animal (or

attempting these actions) is prohibited.

Destroying, defacing, damaging,

disturbing, or removing any private or

public property, including any natural

object or artifact is prohibited. The

use or possession of metal detectors

or similar devices is prohibited.

Disturbing, molesting, or interfering

with any person engaged in an

authorized activity is prohibited.

Entering or remaining on the refuge

when under the influence of alcohol or

a controlled substance is prohibited.

Begging or soliciting in any form or

conducting a commercial enterprise

on the refuge is prohibited.

Carrying, possessing, or discharging

firearms, fireworks or explosives is

prohibited. Firearms may be

possessed, used or transported only

by persons engaged in public hunting

or by persons carrying unloaded

firearms that are either dismantled

or cased.

Carrying, using, or possessing cross

bows, bows and arrows, air guns,

spears, gigs, or other weapons is

prohibited. Some of these weapons

may be legal to use for hunting or

fishing (see current refuge hunting

permit and state regulations).

Hunting and fishing are subject to

state and local regulations, seasons

and bag limits. A refuge permit is

required for hunting.

The speed limit on all refuge roads,

unless otherwise posted, is 35 miles

per hour. State traffic laws that

govern the use and operation of

vehicles apply on the refuge. Traveling outside of designated

routes of travel is prohibited.

Designated routes of travel are

shown on the refuge maps or as

posted with “Road Closed,” “No Vehicle,” or “Foot Traffic Only” signs.

Operating any vehicle or boat that does

not bear valid license plates or

identification numbers and that is not

properly lighted, certified, registered, or

inspected according to state laws is

prohibited. ATV’s (3-wheelers, 4-

wheelers, dirt bikes, etc.) are prohibited.

Stopping or parking a vehicle (either

attended or unattended) on a road,

trail or firelane such that it blocks

the free movement of other vehicles

is prohibited.

In addition to these provisions, all

state laws, county codes, and Title 50

of the Code of Federal Regulations

apply on the refuge. If hou have any

questions about the legality of any

activity, please contact the refuge

manager at 252/473 1131.

John and Karen Hollingsworth © USFWS

Larry Ditto
You can help!

By obeying all refuge, state, and

local regulations.

By respecting this unique place.

Leave only footprints!

By sharing your conservation

ethic with your friends.

By volunteering your time to

help with refuge programs —

biological, public use, or

maintenance.

By joining the Coastal Wildlife

Refuge Society—the refuge’s

non-profit support group. Your

membership fees and donations

(100%) benefit refuge programs.

Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society

P.O. Box 1808

Manteo, NC 27954

coastal-wildlife@outer-banks.com

Note: an audio tour tape or CD is available for

purchase by contacting the Society or the refuge

prior to your visit, or from the Pea Island

National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on

Hatteras Island.

Bonnie Strawser
Alligator River

National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 1969

Manteo, NC 27954

252/473 1131

Email: alligatorriver@fws.gov

http://alligatorriver.fws.gov

http://northcarolina.fws.gov

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

1 800/344 WILD

http://southeast.fws.gov

http://refuges.fws.gov

December 2002

Cover art: Janet Allen (Walker) Myrick.

Limited edition print available for sale

(50% of cost donated to Red Wolf Program).

Cover art: Janet Allen (Walker) Myrick.

Limited edition print available for sale

(50% of cost donated to Red Wolf Program).