Black Bears of Eastern NC
The Highest Concentration of Black Bears in the World!
(and the biggest Black Bears in the world)
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
2 Full days of photographing black bears on the Albemarle Peninsula (The highest density of black bears in the world)
All transportation provided during the trip…including any necessary 4x4 travel
Small group of 3 photographers
Additional wildlife subjects include red wolf, bobcat, deer, various birds (raptors, owls, songbirds), alligator, turtles, raccoon and more
Expert photographic instruction
WHAT TO EXPECT
The coastal region, just west of the famous beaches of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, may be the best place in North America to photograph black bears. This area is home to the most concentrated black bear population (and some of the largest black bears) in the world and is a photographic adventure that you simply have to experience. It's not uncommon to have 50+ unique bear sightings in a day.
Imagine having more than 20 bears in view at one time, seeing more than 50 different bears in a day or photographing cubs in trees. In addition to the bears on these National Wildlife Refuges, you could also have the opportunity to photograph other wildlife such as; numerous birds, bobcat, deer, coyote, fox, reptiles, amphibians…and maybe even the elusive red wolf that was reintroduced in this area. Barred Owls are commonly seen in May and June and are quite cooperative photographic subjects.
Although bears in this area do not hibernate and can be seen all year (even in the winter when the area is home to massive flocks of waterfowl), my favorite time of year for a bear photography experience is the late spring through early fall. Because the bears are so accessible, most of the photography will occur either from the vehicle or right outside the vehicle (so there is very little walking or hiking).
GENERAL ITINERARY
DAY 1: Meet in mid-afternoon and photograph until the sun goes down.
DAY 2: Meet before sunrise and photograph until mid/late morning. Resume in the mid-afternoon and photograph until sunset. Sometimes, we may photograph all day with a break for lunch.
DAY 3: Meet before sunrise and photograph until about 10am.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
LODGING
I will secure discounted lodging at a hotel in Nags Head, NC. You are welcome to stay anywhere you want, but all excursions will originate and terminate at this hotel.
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
- 400mm lens or larger will get the most use, but you will also want something in the 70-200mm range. A wide angle lens will be nice to have to photograph the landscape.
- Tripod and/or monopod
- Insects can occasionally be bothersome. You may want long pants and long sleeves or have some bug repellent.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
There is very light physical exertion on this photo tour. We drive around on dirt/gravel roads looking for bears. When we come across a bear, we get out of the vehicle and rarely do we stray from the vehicle. There are a couple of areas that we occasionally walk into in order to photograph bears. This walking is on level ground and the maximum distance may be one mile.