Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge on North Carolina’s coastal plain, protecting extensive pocosin wetlands and maritime forest habitat on the Albemarle-Pamlico peninsula. It is recognised for its role in conserving wetlands and associated wildlife.

The refuge includes wetland habitats, forested areas, and waterways that provide opportunities for wildlife observation, especially for waterfowl, wading birds, and large mammals. There are public observation points and seasonal visitor facilities used for birdwatching and nature study.

The refuge was established to protect important coastal wetland habitats and to provide habitat for native species; it has been involved in species recovery efforts, including the red wolf program. Management focuses on maintaining wetland ecosystems and limiting incompatible development.

Geographically the refuge lies on the North Carolina coastal plain, inland from the Outer Banks and near communities such as Manteo and Creswell, with a landscape dominated by wetlands, pocosin, and tidal waterways.

• Wildlife: Part of a large coastal wetland complex protecting pocosin and maritime forest habitat that supports species such as black bear and serves as a site for red wolf recovery efforts.