description Pea Island NWR Overview
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a protected coastal area established in 1938 on Hatteras Island in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Its ocean beach, dunes, brackish ponds, salt marshes, and tidal waters provide feeding and resting habitat for migratory birds traveling along the Atlantic Flyway. The refuge is especially important for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and other wildlife associated with barrier islands.
help Pea Island NWR FAQ
Why was Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge created?
The refuge was established in 1938 to protect habitat for migratory birds on North Carolina's Outer Banks. Its managed ponds, marshes, dunes, beach, and tidal waters lie along the Atlantic Flyway.
Can visitors see birds at Pea Island throughout the year?
Yes, although the species and numbers change considerably by season. Waterfowl and other migrants concentrate during migration and winter, while shorebirds use the refuge's beaches, flats, and pond margins.
Where is Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge located?
It occupies part of Hatteras Island in North Carolina, south of Oregon Inlet and alongside NC Highway 12. Despite its name, shifting inlets have connected and separated parts of this Outer Banks landscape over time.
How do hurricanes affect Pea Island refuge?
Storms can breach dunes, move sand, flood roads, and alter the salinity of ponds and marshes. These processes are natural on a barrier island, but they can temporarily close sections of NC Highway 12 and visitor facilities.
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