Halloween, animals a good mix

Wildlife refuges are using Halloween as a way to showcase creatures that have nocturnal or spooky associations.

The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in eastern North Carolina is planning a free "Howl-O-Ween" safari the weekend before Halloween, where participants howl in an effort to get the park's red wolves to howl back.

The event takes place at 6 p.m. Oct. 25; reservations are required at www.redwolves.com.

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, bordering New Jersey and New York in Vernon Township, N.J., is hosting "Nocturnal Creature Night," from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25, with tour guides in animal costumes teaching kids about the critters. Reservations required; call (201) 660-8880.

In Montana's Bitterroot Valley at 5 p.m. on Halloween night (Oct. 31), the visitor center hosts a campfire gathering called "Get Wild at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge," aimed at teaching people about nocturnal creatures.

The country has 548 national wildlife refuges. Details at www.fws.gov/refuges.

AP