There’s something truly magical about spending a day looking for black bears in the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge. This place has become like a second home to me, where every bend in the dirt road promises a new adventure. I love it out here… the air is fresh, the bears are curious, and every moment feels like a gift.

Morning: The Journey Begins

My day starts early, just as the first light of dawn begins to break. I leave my hotel room, grab a quick breakfast, and head out with my gear. There’s something special about these early mornings; they always feel full of promise, where anything can happen. The drive to the refuge is quiet and quick, and I take in the peacefulness of the landscape waking up around me.

With my camera ready beside me, I hop into my truck and head out along the dirt roads of the refuge. The Alligator River Wildlife Refuge is one of those places that feels like it belongs to another time—wild, untamed, and full of life.

I’ve been coming here for a few years now, and yet, every trip feels like the first.

As I drive slowly, the crunch of the tires on the gravel almost seems too loud in the stillness. I wish I could keep my windows rolled down, but the horse flies here can be brutal sometimes. A small price to pay to find magic in wild places.

I keep my eyes peeled, scanning the sides of the road for any signs of bear activity. And then, there it is—a black bear grazing on tall grasses on the side of the road. My heart skips a beat. These moments are what I live for.

I stop the truck, grab my camera, and step out, staying close to the vehicle just in case. The bears here are used to people, but I never want to take that for granted.

Some of the bears here are shy, but most have become comfortable with our presence. I crouch down to try and get a low-angle shot. The bears back is to me. It stops eating, turns around to look at me. It watches me for a few seconds, then decides it wants nothing to do with me and disappears into the forest.

I drive on. Sorry I disturbed your breakfast buddy.

I drive for a couple hours, the day is heating up and not much is going on, so I decide to break for lunch, but Ill be back in a few hours, when the sun starts getting low. Late afternoons are always good here.

Later That Day.
I spend the afternoon driving through the refuge’s diverse habitats—dense pine forests, open fields dotted with wildflowers, and wetland areas where great blue herons stand perfectly still, like statues. Every corner of this place has its own story, its own secrets waiting to be discovered.

It’s not just about the bears, although they are certainly the stars of the show. Along the way, I spot a barred owl hunting crayfish in the canals on the side of the road. The owl is completely relaxed around people.

A few cars see me stopped and drive up to see what I am photographing. The wildlife here is abundant and awe-inspiring, and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it, even if just for a day.

Continuing down the road, I turn a corner and spot another black bear up ahead, right near one of the many irrigation ditches filled with water. I recognize this bear—one of the regulars. I’ve seen it many times before. I stop the truck and quietly get out to get a better view.

When dealing with predatory animals, I never forget what they are or what I am doing. I have had encounters with this bear for the past three days… She is well-behaved, very well-mannered, and comfortable around people. 

I jumped back in the car and moved ahead of the bear. I know where she is going… it is time for her afternoon bath. 

I stop the truck close to the area where I think she will stop at and get out.

Sure enough, she wades into the ditch, plopping down with a contented huff. For a good twenty minutes, I watch this bear take a bath. This is one of those simple joys that never gets old. It’s funny, almost endearing, to see this powerful animal so at ease, splashing around like a kid on a hot summer day.

There’s a sense of peace in these moments, a feeling that everything is exactly as it should be. I snap a few photos, but mostly, I just watch, soaking it all in. After a while, she finishes up, shakes off the water, glances in my direction for a second, then lumbers back into the forest to find a place to bed down for the night.

As the day begins to wind down, I make my way back to a familiar clearing where I’ve seen bears before. The golden hour light bathes everything in a warm glow, and I know this is my last chance for a sighting today. I park the truck and settle in, feeling that familiar mix of hope and anticipation.

Just as the sun is dipping below the horizon, I see a few bears walking out of the forest. It is mating season so they approach the open fields cautiously. One of the bears is walking in my direction, making its way through the tall grass. I try not to move too much, not wanting to disturb the moment. The bear stops to eat wild-growing blackberries in front of me. I am on fire, and snap photo after photo.

Another bear decides it does not like the vibe and desides to walk back into the forest. But before it disappears, it walks over to a pine tree on the edge of the forest, stands up and begins scratching its back. I fire away! It is an amazing scene, and I am so appreciative of my luck. I just keep saying to myself, I hope some of these images are in focus.

After a while, I stop shooting and just watch the rest of the evening’s stories unfold. There’s something so pure about watching wild bears being bears. It’s these quiet, intimate moments that stay with me long after I’ve left the refuge.

Reflections at the End of the Day

Back at the hotel, I kick off my shoes and reflect on the day. I have to admit, there’s something comforting about returning to a warm, comfortable room after a day out in the wild. I go through the photos I took, reliving each moment—looking to see if I captured anything special… and I definitely did!

Tracking black bears in the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge isn’t just about finding the bears—it’s about being fully present in the moment, feeling the earth under your feet, and understanding that you are a part of something much bigger than yourself. It’s a reminder of the beauty of the natural world and our place within it.

What’s truly remarkable to me is that these wild places still exist, so close to human habitation. They offer a glimpse into a world that is both fragile and resilient… a world we are privileged to share. 

To me it’s a reminder that we need to coexist with these incredible creatures and protect the last of these wild places. They are vital not just for the wildlife that calls them home, but for us as well, as they remind us of what it means to be truly alive. 

Today was a good day. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.