Current Road Conditions at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (2024)

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge? ›

Unless there is something specific that you might want to see in the Fall migration, then spring will have the most action birdwise. Check out the reserve website for more info as well as specific bird highlights.

The vast protected area supports large populations of black bear, wintering waterfowl, river otter, and other wildlife species. In addition, the refuge is one of the only places in the world where you may see endangered red wolves in the wild.

In addition to the black bear, refuge residents include raccoons, rabbits, energetic river otters, and even American alligators.

Available species in freshwater include largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, redear sunfish, catfish and chain pickerel. Predominant brackish/saltwater species are bluefish, striped bass, spotted sea trout, flounder, red drum, striped bass, spot and croaker.

That's because the alligator “courtship” begins in early April ahead of the alligator mating season. Florida Fish and Wildlife said alligator mating happens in May or June and they can get more aggressive during that time frame. So, it's a wise idea to keep an extra eye out.

Time of Day: Alligators are most active in the early morning or late afternoon when it's cooler. They rely on sunlight to stay warm because they're cold-blooded. During these times, they're more likely to be out of the water, where they usually hang out in lakes or swamps.

If you have a bear encounter, certainly would prefer it be a black bear. Loud noise will usually get them to back off if too close. No matter what bear happens to frequent the area... if you do any type of camping, invest in a good rated Bear Vault to protect your stash. About how many live in the Okefenokee?

The increasing presence of humans in once-wild areas means that more bears are now venturing into built-up spaces like campsites and neighborhoods in search of the food and trash they know humans bring.

Within the Everglades, Florida black bears are predominately found in the western region near Big Cypress National Preserve, however there are several accounts of them in Water Conservation Area 3 and Everglades National Park.

The Refuge is open during daylight hours only (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.

Are there snakes at Alligator Alley? ›

Alligator Alley Adventures gives you a one of a kind experience as you dive into the exotic world of reptiles. You will experience a face to face encounter with Wild Gators, Giant Snakes and Snapping Turtles, different types of Crocodiles and even Amphibians.

Background. A common misconception is that, before the Great War, the Alligator River owed its name to the shape the river resembling the eponymous reptilian according to some people. However, it is named such largely because of the high number of Alligators along its banks.

We spent most of our time on Buffalo City Road and Miltail Road (this is where the bears were for the most part). Within TEN minutes on the trails we saw one mama bear and 3 cubs!!

While there are no confirmed attacks on people, alligator gar continue to be feared by many. The fact is these large fish can be quite sluggish and docile. For example, the feeding behavior of large adults makes them a challenge to catch. Alligator gar can be slow or hesitant to swallow a bait.

Most people remember their first encounter with an alligator gar. In the world of fishes, their appearance is striking. Alligator gar get big — really big — and they look like something that should be swimming around with dinosaurs, not bass and crappie. But it is not just their looks that are unique.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. ...

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (.gov)

https://www.fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (.gov)

https://www.fws.gov

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Albemarle Peninsula in eastern North Carolina. The refuge was established in 1984 to protect the rare...

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge | Outer ...

roanokeisland.net

https://roanokeisland.net

roanokeisland.net

https://roanokeisland.net

Alligator River Refuge was established to preserve and protect a unique wetland habitat type - the pocosin - and its associated wildlife species. The diversity ...

alligator river national wildlife refuge | Roads ...

Roads End Naturalist

https://roadsendnaturalist.com

Roads End Naturalist

https://roadsendnaturalist.com

It sounds like they have been a great addition to the limited staff at the refuge. After the meeting, I headed down to Alligator River NWR in hopes of seeing so...

Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. To reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators, swim only during daylight hours and in designated swimming areas.

Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. Closely supervise children and pets in and around water: According to the FWC, dogs are more susceptible to being bitten than humans because dogs resemble the natural prey of alligators.

During the summer months, the heat in New Orleans can be quite intense. Optimal times for a swamp tour are early morning or late afternoon, providing a more comfortable experience while increasing wildlife sightings.

Are you planning a trip to the park from November through April? These months fall into our dry season, one of the most popular times to visit, due to the lower temperatures, lessening of mosquitoes, and abundance of wildlife.