HATTERAS - The National Park Service says three areas along the Outer Banks have been closed to beach drivers and pedestrians to protect the wildlife.

The closures announced Monday along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore are part of a settlement reached between environmental groups and the park service. The agreement, signed last week by U.S. District Court Judge Terrence Boyle, maintains beach driving in some areas while temporarily closing other areas to protect endangered birds and turtles.

The Park Service said areas were closed on Bodie Island to protect an American oystercatcher breeding spot; on Cape Point to protect a least tern breeding area; and on South Ocracoke to protect breeding adult piping plover that are foraging.

The settlement also bans night driving after 10 p.m. from spring through fall to protect turtles.