Wildlife with Aspen in Alligator River NWR

The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a 150,000+ acre refuge in Eastern North Carolina. Home to endangered red wolves, black bears, river otters and more, this beautiful wilderness is best explored with a professional, which is why I caught up with Aspen at Wildlife with Aspen.

Raised in North Carolina and moving to the area after college, Aspen is a professional wildlife guide, photographer, and educator, creating incredible images of some of the lesser known wild animals in the area, including some fantastic shots of the most endangered and rarest wolf on earth, the red wolf. So scroll on to read more about some of the most unique and best tours on The Spotlight.

How did you get into guide work?

I love being in the field with wildlife as well as educating people about them. Guiding was the perfect blend of the two. I worked on a research project out at the refuge last year for an NGO called Wildlands Network where I monitored trail cameras for endangered red wolves. I got to know the refuge really well and fell in love with it.

(Going to the Outer Banks? Spend a day in the life with wild horses)

Run me through a typical day with you at Wildlife with Aspen. What can your guests expect?

The fun thing about wildlife guides is that you never know what you can see! This isn’t a zoo, after all. In the morning, around dawn, we typically start off by looking for some red wolves and black bears, both of which are big hits. After that, we journey deeper into the refuge for owls, hawks, coyotes, and bobcats. We break for lunch midday and I treat clients to a great sandwich at Poor Richard’s in Manteo. If we’re in the summer heat, while the animals are cooling off in some woodsy shade, I take clients to the refuge visitor center as well as other stops in Manteo they may select; this ranges from the NC Aquarium to the Christmas Shoppe to Front porch Cafe! We head back into the refuge as it cools down to begin looking for wolves and bears once again.

Why should I take a trip with you instead of just going it alone or with someone else?

My background is in biology, canid behavior, and wolves! I know these wolves individually and know their behavior, stories, and families. I’m super passionate about ethics and educate people on how to properly view wildlife so we don’t endanger them, ourselves, or stress out the animals. The refuge is huge, and having someone who knows what she’s doing is super beneficial! You also can focus on looking around while I drive 🙂

What’s the best part of the job? The parts that keep you coming back?

Seeing people’s faces light up when they see a critically endangered wolf, or a bear, or the beautiful sunrise on the refuge… it’s amazing. I’m so passionate about teaching people about red wolves- whom most people don’t even know exist- so being able to be a part of a conservation effort in that way is so impactful for me and worth it every single time.

What’s the worst part? The part that feels like work?

The most stressful part is definitely feeling pressure to find wildlife! My clients know this isn’t a zoo and I can’t – and won’t- control wildlife behavior but I want everyone to have a good time! Thankfully, the refuge has such a huge biodiversity I’ve never had anybody come away unhappy.

(Have a laugh and learn some of the other worst parts of The Outer Banks)

What would you tell somebody wanting to get into guide work?

Know the area first. Explore it A LOT on your own. Learn the ins and outs, the hidden gems, the best spots. Get to know other people that frequent the area, build a network. That’s part of what makes my guides so awesome, knowing the tips and tricks.

You can find Aspen online at her website wildlifewithaspen.com/ or her Instagram here.

Do you know a guide who should be featured? Whether they raft, dive, hike, bike, boat, float, walk or talk – if they lead guided tours – send me an email at tourguidetree@gmail.com or send me a message on my Instagram here.