Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Things to Do Tips by grandmaR

Alligator River Refuge

Because I feel so guilty about using this location for the marina tip and travelogues, I did a little research to determine where the refuge actually is. Apparently it is on the east side of the Alligator (the marina is across the river on the west side). Much of it is accessible only by water (the area at the headwaters of the river), but there is one handicapped accessible trail.

Are there actual alligators there?

The website says:

"Many species of wildlife call Alligator River home. The Refuge and it's surrounding waters support many resident and migratory species of wildlife. Of these, 48 are fish, 200 are birds, 48 are reptiles and amphibians, and 40 are mammals. The Refuge supports wildlife species which are important from both a regional and a national standpoint. Its large size and dense vegetation make the Refuge a haven for species which avoid man, such as the black bear. Also, the Refuge harbors many species adapted to living in forested habitat, as opposed to disturbed areas, such as field edges. Many neotropical migrants, such as prothonotary warblers, black-throated green 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 found in this large expansive forested area."

There may be alligators or there may have been alligators in the river but I suspect they are relatively rare.

Address: P. O. Box 1969, Manteo, NC 27954

Directions: Between the east bank of the Alligator River up to the Alligator Pungo Canal and the west side of Croatan Sound. Automobile access via US 64.

Phone: 252/473-1131

Website: http://alligatorriver.fws.gov/index.html