Coastal Carolina Wildlife Adventure: Bears, Birds & the Rare Red Wolf

Join Jennifer Hadley for an unforgettable five-day wildlife experience in the wild and remote landscapes of coastal North Carolina. Based in the charming waterfront town of Manteo in the Outer Banks, this journey immerses you in one of the most unique and biodiverse ecosystems in the eastern United States.

Our primary shooting grounds will be the renowned Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding Pocosin Lakes region—an extraordinary mosaic of wetlands, pocosins, and maritime forests teeming with life. This is one of the best places in the country to observe and photograph black bears, and we’ve timed this trip to maximize opportunities for witnessing mothers with cubs during peak activity.

But what makes this tour truly special is the rare chance to encounter one of North America’s most endangered mammals—the red wolf. With fewer than two dozen individuals remaining in the wild, the Alligator River area is the last known stronghold of this elusive species. While sightings are never guaranteed, the possibility of seeing and photographing a red wolf in its natural habitat is a profoundly meaningful and unforgettable experience.

Beyond bears and wolves, the region offers exceptional diversity—expect to photograph wading birds, raptors, reptiles, and a variety of coastal species, all set against beautiful backdrops of cypress swamps, open marsh, and golden coastal light.

About your leader…

Jennifer Hadley is an award-winning wildlife photographer based in Raleigh, North Carolina. From the Arctic to Africa, to the last frontier and beyond; she captures unique behavior-based images and film that tells the stories of the world’s wildlife. She has been featured in international publications and co-produced the award-winning documentary film, “Right of Passage”, highlighting the plight of the critically endangered red wolves. Additionally, she co-produced a short film called “For the Love of Red Wolves”, which has been introduced into the public school system in children’s classrooms throughout North Carolina.

Jennifer was the grand prize winner as well as the People’s Choice winner of the 2022 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. She also placed 3rd in the North American Nature Photography Association Showcase in the same year.

Jennifer is a highly experienced wildlife photography guide in Eastern North Carolina and leads photography workshops in South Africa, Botswana, and Alaska. She loves encouraging others to learn about animals and their behavior while fostering an ethical wildlife photography experience for her clients. Jennifer loves sharing her passion for the outdoors and wildlife with her guests and is committed to helping photographers improve their photography skills based on their own unique aspirations.

6 Participants

$3,995 (single room)

A deposit is due to reserve space with the remaining balance due approximately three months prior to departure.