One little known fact about coastal North Carolina is that it is home to the largest concentration of black bears (Urus americanus ) east of the Rocky Mountains. When we as Americans typically think about black bears, we think of the mountains. Yet it is here along the coast where the climate is tempered and constrained by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream that this species of bear is able to reach its full genetic potential. The unique evergreen shrub bog swamps known as pocosins, offer these bears a year-round growing season with a seemingly endless supply of food and temperatures warm enough to keep the bears from going into hibernation during the winter. Coastal North Carolina just happens to be home to roughly 70% of all the pocosin swamps left in America.

The very same characteristics of this swamp that makes it so desirable a habitat for the black bear, also makes it the home to the only population of wild red wolves in the world. Though rarely seen, their tracks litter the dirt roads and mournful howls often fill the night air. Join us as we venture into this foreboding realm where land and water meld into one and the thick tangles of the swamps hide a primeval piece of the Southeastern landscape that civilization has yet to conquer.

This is a vehicle based wildlife safari – so don’t worry, you wont have to wrangle snakes and fight off alligators!

Trip includes drinks, snacks, binoculars, and spotting scope.

Length: 3 hours

Price: $60 for adults; 1/2 price for children 12 and under.

This Trip is offered from July – November.