Abstract:
The Hatteras Island national wildlife refuge created in 1938 was designed as wintering grounds for greater snow geese. However, three hundred species have called it temporary home, including muskrats and snakes. Reasons for its conduciveness as a bird refuge were the hunting ban and plenteous food such as salt marsh cordgrass. As for native Islanders, many were not at home with the refuge grounds becoming unwelcome for human habitation.