Meet Aspen S | Wildlife Guide, Photographer, and Canid Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aspen S and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aspen, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Nothing inspires me more than the rich stories that wildlife have, and the lessons they can teach us. Guiding and working around intelligent species like red wolves and black bears has brought me close to them not just physically, but in getting to know their stories, their families, and their struggles. One of my favorite ways to get people interested in red wolf conservation is to tell stories of families, of wolves lost, of how their families rely on each other, and really individualizing each animal while still reminding people that they are still wild. Watching endangered red wolf pups grow up, with those individual stories over the years, and watching people become passionate and love something that’s so dear to my heart, is something I’ll never take for granted.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Wildlife guiding comes with its own set of challenges- finding clients, filling out permits, getting my vehicle in good shape all the time, and of course finding the animals. But what I pride myself in the most is my commitment to putting the welfare of the animals over people, including my clients. I have clients sign an ethics agreement form, basically stating that they will follow my directions, detailing certain behaviors that are not allowed (like feeding, whistling at, etc.). I’ve turned clients around if I feel like an animal is starting to become stressed or our presence is making a situation worse. In that regard, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that- knock on wood- all my clients I’ve been blessed with are big animal fans, and want the best for them too, even if it means leaving an animal or giving them more space. I’ve learned to not expect a negative reaction and that even if I get one, I will always be proud of putting the animal’s welfare over people’s desires.

If there’s something I could make clear to people about my guiding and how I operate, it’s the absolute love I have for the wildlife. It’s my greatest passion, and nothing. makes me happier than to see the excited faces of clients seeing their first bear, red wolf, bobcat, or anything in the wild. Having them get more and more interested in these animals, and really want to do something to impact them, means so much too. I never get tired of being on the refuge, at seeing any of the animals, although I’ve been asked if it gets repetitive! But it never does. There’s always a new sight, a new story, and something new happening.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The area surrounding Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is SO fun, and there’s so much to do considering its near proximity to the Outer Banks. I take all my clients- and friends- to Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop in Manteo. They have the best sandwiches, and I’ve never had a complaint from clients. The staff is so friendly and lovely too; they now ask every time I bring in clients which animals we have seen. Manteo in general is a super fun little town. I also take clients- and friends- to the national wildlife refuge visitor center in Manteo, so that they can get any refuge memorabilia that directly benefits the refuge, or check out the little museum that can educate them even more on the refuge. Other places I love taking people include Front Porch Cafe for coffee and Downtown Books.

Beach lovers should check out some of the gorgeous beaches not far from the refuge, as well as some really cool lighthouses. The famous wild horses on Corolla aren’t very far either.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My time at Wildlands Network, a nonprofit dedicated to wild spaces and connections, really helped me forward on my journey to guiding. While working under Dr. Ron Sutherland, I gained experience not only on the refuge on which I guide, but important science skills and an introduction to the ins and outs of red wolf conservation. I’ve still been able to work alongside them as I’ve guided, and I can’t thank Ron enough for mentoring me since I was in college.

Website: https://wildlifewithaspen.com

Instagram: wildlifewithaspen

Image Credits
Wildlife with Aspen