Sienna Rhodes
The Currituck Sound is a body of water in North Carolina that has been a significant attraction for Currituck County, with anglers and hunters visiting the area since the late 1800s. The Sound is known for its unique freshwater qualities, accommodating both freshwater and saltwater species. While the Sound is known for its fishing opportunities, some may wonder if alligators inhabit these waters. The American alligator is known to inhabit areas of North Carolina, including the Outer Banks, and has been recorded in counties near Currituck Sound.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alligators in Currituck Sound | Yes, American alligators inhabit Currituck Sound and other areas in North Carolina |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Fishing | Freshwater catches include largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, and crabs |
| Wildlife Refuges | Currituck Banks Reserve, Currituck Wildlife Refuge, and Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge |
| Migratory Waterfowl | Canadian geese, ducks, herons, egrets, and ibises |
| Sharks | Atlantic sharpnose sharks are common in North Carolina waters, but the chances of encountering them are low |
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What You'll Learn
Alligators are present in Currituck Sound
The Currituck Sound is known for its freshwater catches, including largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, and crabs. The sound's shallow waters, with depths ranging from knee to waist-deep in most locations, make it a popular destination for fishing and crabbing. The region is a goldmine for fishermen and biologists alike, accommodating both freshwater and saltwater species. The sound is also home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, nutrias, white-tailed deer, raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels.
Alligators are native to the Outer Banks and can be found in the nearby Alligator River, Milltail Creek, Sawyer Lake, and the border canals along Highway 64/264 in Manns Harbor and Stumpy Point. While alligator sightings in the Currituck Sound are rare, they are not impossible. Alligators are shy and prefer to spend their time in the water. They inhabit areas with limited human activity, such as military bases and state and federal parks.
The presence of alligators in the Currituck Sound highlights the region's diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The sound serves as a temporary home for thousands of migrating waterfowl and is bordered by three refuges or preserves: the Currituck Banks Reserve, the Currituck Wildlife Refuge, and the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge. These refuges offer hundreds of miles of protected habitat for local wildlife, including alligators, and contribute to the overall ecological significance of the Currituck Sound region.
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Currituck Sound's salinity and water quality
The Currituck Sound is known for its unique freshwater qualities, which are a result of the sound being fed only by rainwater for the past 200 years. This makes it distinct from other bodies of water in the region, which are typically brackish or saltwater. The sound's freshwater qualities, coupled with its massive size, make it a significant attraction for anglers and biologists. Species found in the sound include largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, and crabs.
However, the sound's salinity is not static and can vary due to several factors. For instance, prevailing winds from the south and southwest tend to increase salinity at the Poplar Branch and Point Harbor sites, while winds from the north have the opposite effect, decreasing salinity at these sites. The greatest variations in salinity were observed at the northernmost site, West Neck Creek, and the southernmost site, Point Harbor. The least variation was observed at the Bell Island site, located at the upper midpoint of the sound.
The sound also experiences a constant inflow of freshwater from tributaries and groundwater sources, which likely impacts salinity levels. However, the net flow volumes from these freshwater sources are not documented, and their significance in diluting the net import of salt into the sound is unclear.
There have been concerns about water quality in the sound, particularly regarding high nutrient concentrations and chronic algal blooms. In 1994, these issues led to the Currituck Sound failing to qualify for designation as Outstanding Resource Waters. More recently, there has been a lack of water chemistry information to evaluate the current health of the sound and predict its response to changes in water-quality loadings.
While alligators are present in some waterways in the Outer Banks, such as the Alligator River and Milltail Creek, there is no specific mention of their presence in the Currituck Sound. The sound's shallow waters, ranging from knee to waist-deep, and limited ocean access may not provide the ideal habitat for alligators.
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Wildlife and fish species in Currituck Sound
The Currituck Sound is a 30-mile wide body of water that has been a major attraction for Currituck County, with anglers and hunters visiting the area as early as the late 1800s. The Currituck Sound is unique among the sounds of the Outer Banks due to its freshwater qualities, which are a result of being fed only by rainwater for the past 200 years. This has made the region a haven for both freshwater and saltwater species, attracting fishermen and biologists alike.
The three refuges that border the Currituck Sound—the Currituck Banks Reserve, the Currituck Wildlife Refuge, and the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge—offer a vast expanse of refuge for local wildlife. The sound serves as a temporary home for thousands of migrating waterfowl, including Canadian geese, ducks, herons, egrets, and ibises.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities in the Currituck Sound, with anglers having the opportunity to catch a wide variety of fish species. The sound is known for its freshwater catches, including the prized largemouth bass, which is making a gradual comeback to the region after decades of overfishing. Other freshwater species found in the sound include catfish, sunfish, and crabs.
The Currituck Sound is also home to several saltwater species. Popular fishing spots like Sanders Bay and Poplar Branch Bay attract anglers looking to catch fish such as Atlantic croaker, red drum, bluefish, and striped bass. The sound's unique ecosystem also makes it a prime location for species like cobia, flounder, sea bass, and New Zealand brill.
In addition to the wealth of fishing opportunities, the Currituck Sound offers a range of outdoor experiences for visitors. The Historic Corolla Park spans 39 acres and features attractions such as the Whalehead in Historic Corolla, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. Visitors can also enjoy activities like miniature golf, explore the grounds on horseback, or relax in one of the many vacation rentals the area has to offer.
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Recreation and tourism in the Currituck Sound area
Currituck County, located in northeastern North Carolina, is a popular tourist destination known for its peaceful and unspoiled beaches, soundfront shores, and laid-back atmosphere. The Currituck Sound, which connects with the Albemarle Sound, has been a significant attraction for hunters and anglers since the late 1800s. With its unique freshwater qualities, the sound accommodates both freshwater and saltwater species, making it a haven for fishing enthusiasts and biologists alike.
The Currituck Sound offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. Fishing is a popular pastime, with species such as flounder, trout, sunfish, catfish, crabs, and the prized largemouth bass available in its waters. Anglers can fish from boats, kayaks, or public fishing decks and boardwalks. Several charter companies also offer inshore fishing trips. In addition to fishing, the sound is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises.
For those interested in exploring the area's natural beauty, the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and hunting. This refuge, along with the Currituck Banks Reserve and Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge, provides a safe haven for migrating waterfowl and other local wildlife. Visitors can also take a ferry ride to Knotts Island, located in the heart of the sound, or explore the Historic Corolla Park, which encompasses 39 acres of attractions, including the Whalehead in Historic Corolla and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse.
The development of NC Highway 12 in the 1970s and 1980s further boosted tourism in the region, making the northern Outer Banks and Currituck Sound more accessible. However, efforts are made to preserve the natural landscape, with plans for a ""Mid-Currituck Bridge" facing opposition due to concerns about increased tourism and development.
Today, Currituck County continues to be a favourite destination for families and couples seeking a tranquil escape from city life. With its mix of natural attractions, outdoor activities, and peaceful atmosphere, the Currituck Sound area offers a unique and memorable recreational experience for visitors.
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Geography and location of Currituck Sound
Currituck Sound is a 30- to 36-mile-long lagoon located in the northeastern part of North Carolina and the extreme southeastern part of Virginia. It is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Currituck Banks Peninsula (formerly Bodie Island), which is part of the Outer Banks. The sound extends to Back Bay in southeast Virginia Beach, Virginia, in the northeast and leads to the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal in the northwest, which connects it to Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay.
The sound is quite shallow, with a depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet, and its width extends up to 8 miles at its widest point. It is filled with numerous unnamed islands, mostly parcels of marshlands. The Currituck Sound is unique among the sounds along the Outer Banks due to its low salinity levels, which have resulted from centuries of being isolated from direct ocean access. Today, the only connection to the ocean is through the Albemarle Sound to the south, and the sound is primarily fed by rainwater, giving it a nearly freshwater character. This isolation from the ocean also means that the sound experiences no lunar or solar tides, and wind is the primary force moving the water.
The Currituck Sound is bordered by several wildlife refuges and preserves, including the Currituck Banks Reserve, the Currituck Wildlife Refuge, and the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge. These areas provide undisturbed habitats for local and migrating wildlife, including waterfowl such as Canadian geese, ducks, herons, egrets, and ibises. The sound also offers exceptional fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from across the country. Both freshwater and saltwater species can be found in the sound, including flounder, trout, sunfish, catfish, crabs, and the prized largemouth bass.
Knotts Island is located in the heart of the sound and is accessible via a ferry route from the North Carolina mainland. The island is a popular day trip destination, featuring a vineyard, a gift shop, and an annual peach festival. It is also home to the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge, which offers a mosquito-free, temperate environment for hiking and exploring. The Currituck Sound is a significant attraction for visitors to the region, providing opportunities for various watersports activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are alligators in Currituck Sound. Alligator sightings on the Outer Banks are rare but not unheard of. Alligators inhabit areas north of the refuge and some waterways.
You can see alligators in the Alligator River, Milltail Creek, Sawyer Lake, and in the border canals that line Highway 64/264 in Manns Harbor and Stumpy Point.
With just rainwater feeding the sound for the past 200 years or so, the water quality has become nearly freshwater. This makes it unique among the sounds of North Carolina, as most are brackish.
