ON HAITUS!

Wildlife Adventure Workshops

Immerse yourself amongst Eastern North Carolina wildlife for 3 days! Join me and two other wildlife lovers for this unique tour of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

To inquire about or book a tour, email wildlifewithaspen@gmail.com

Please note the wildlife ethics policy & viewing guarantees below.

* You may notice that I do not have workshops spanning a Saturday and Sunday, which is more convenient. However, per the guidelines of my guiding permit I am allowed only 1 guide on the weekends. Thanks for understanding!

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Wildlife ethics are at the forefront of my guiding. We will never harass, chase, or bait animals. Many of the animals on the refuge are somewhat used to people, but if I notice that an animal becomes distressed or we are blocking their path, we will move aside. This is particularly true for the critically endangered red wolf.

Wildlife viewing guarantee- The refuge is not a zoo; these are wild animals living freely. There is no guarantee to see any particular species on your trip although I will do my best to make the experience as animal-filled as possible. It is exceedingly rare for wolves to come particularly close to the roads (and that is good for their safety)- most viewing opportunities of this rare canid are from afar.

Workshop Information

Price: $1,000

Inclusions: Introduction dinner (alcohol not included), transport, snacks, water, bug spray, bear spray.

Exclusions: Hotel, other meals, transport from an airport*

Where to stay: I highly recommend that you stay in Manteo, as this is where dawn and afternoon pick-ups will be. My top hotel recommendations are the Scarborough Inn and Heart of Manteo Motor Lodge. Book as soon as possible as Manteo accommodations can book quickly in summer.

What to bring: Camera (highly recommended but not required), long pants, comfortable shoes that can get muddy. Fall workshops will require you bring a piece of fluorescent/ bright orange clothing for safety during hunting season.

* If you are flying into Raleigh-Durham and the timing works out, I may be able to pick you up the day BEFORE the workshop begins as I pass by this way on the way to the refuge. This is not at all guaranteed but I am happy to do it if the timing works out. Gratuity is appreciated but not required.

Sign Up!

To sign up for a workshop, email me at wildlifewithaspen@gmail.com and I’ll get you on the roster. A nonrefundable deposit of $500 will be required to book your spot.

The remaining balance will be due 7 days before the first day of the workshop.

Hurricane season starts in May and travel insurance is recommended for the summer months in case of a hurricane or a tropical storm. This is the only time in which a workshop might be rescheduled or cancelled as refuge roads can become dangerous and flooded with huge amounts of sudden rain and fallen debris.

Workshop Itinerary

Day 1

~1pm: Meet in Manteo for introductions and a complimentary intro lunch at Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop in Manteo

Evening: Wildlife searching and photography, introduction to the red wolf program and biology

After Sunset: Hotel drop-off in Manteo

Day 2:

~Hour before sunrise: Manteo hotel pick-up and coffee run (if needed)

Morning: Wildlife searching and photography, starting with red wolves and bears and moving onto birds, reptiles, otters

~Noon: Midday break; optional group excursion to NC Aquarium (entry fee not included) or refuge visitor center

~3pm: Meet in Manteo to head back to refuge

Evening: Wildlife searching and photography, focusing on red wolves and black bears

After Sunset: Return to Manteo

Day 3:

~Hour before sunrise: Manteo hotel pick-up and coffee run (if needed)

Morning: Wildlife searching and photography, with focus on bobcat if red wolves have already been spotted

~Noon: Return to Manteo

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FAQs

  • If you’re particularly interested in seeing red wolves, I will tailor your experience to do my best to see them. However, this is a critically endangered species of wolf and we will never bait or harass them. Most wolf sightings are from far away and may be brief. There is never a guarantee to see wolves, but we’re most likely to see them at dawn or dusk.

  • Yes! I highly recommend the Scarborough Inn in Manteo. It is highly recommended you stay in Manteo as this is where morning and afternoon pick-ups occur.

  • Particularly in the summer, weather in coastal North Carolina can be unpredictable. There will likely be rainfall in the afternoon but animals often come out after a brief shower. Workshops will not be re-booked except in cases of hurricanes or tropical storms.

  • Likely there will be a short hike (about a mile) in the morning, with more or less if everybody in the group agrees.

  • Yes! Children are absolutely allowed. Please keep in mind there may be long periods of time in the car.

  • Particularly in the warmer months, North Carolina can be excruciatingly hot. Wildlife is not nearly as active; additionally, since we start at dawn and days are long, it can make for an exhausting day! Clients have chosen to visit local coffee shops, stores, and the super fun North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Optional group excursions can include the NC Aquarium or the Refuge Visitor Center, or you can relax alone in your hotel.

  • No! However, if you do have a professional camera, absolutely do bring it along. I provide binoculars and wildlife viewing can still be a wonderful experience without a camera. Note that if you have no camera or a short lens, you will not be allowed to approach/ get too close to wildlife.