10 Places In North Carolina For Amazing Animal Encounters You Can't Pass Up

Regardless of where you are in the Tar Heel State, you’re never far from your next wholesome, family adventure. And whether you have kids along, or not, you’re sure to enjoy getting up close and personal with some awesome creatures in the following animal encounters in North Carolina. Once you see these, you simply won’t be able to pass them up. Here are some of our favorites (although there are many more!).

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At the Sylvan Heights Bird Park, you'll get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to feed a Pink Flamingo. The park is home to more than 200 species of exotic birds. Take a guided tour to meet and greet with 2,500 beautiful and exotic birds from all over the world. Learn more from this previous article!

Address: 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck, NC, 27874

Google local/Dawn Ambrose

While most native North Carolinians don't usually seek out these big, lovable (yet dangerous) creatures, this one-of-a-kind wildlife refuge offers guided Bear Safaris that travel to targeted areas within the 152,000-acre reserve. Better bring your regular camera and a zoom lens so you can bring home a photo that looks like you were standing 10-feet from your subject! Learn all about the Bear Safaris at Alligator River from this previously published article.

Address: Milltail Road, East Lake, NC, 27953

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Or, just sip wine and pet the cute, lovable llamas at Devine Llama Vineyards! Regularly scheduled llama treks allow you to take a hike with one of these friendly llamas. Learn more from this previous article.

Address: 4126 Divine Llama Lane, East Bend, NC, 27018

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Google local/Nano Lancet

There aren't many places in the Tar Heel State where you can get up close and personal with a raptor (eagle, hawk, falcon, or owl), however the Carolina Raptor Center is designed for just that. A natural healing center for injured and distressed birds of prey, this wonderful center takes visitors to the inner circle and also offers educational raptor encounters. Learn more in this previous article.

Address: 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC, 28078

Google local/Craig Szymanski

Few things compare with the magical experience of witnessing the wild Mustangs that have roamed (and survived!) the Outer Banks for the past 400 years. These majestic creatures are admired in the wild as well as residential areas, but the best way to see them is by taking a guided tour where someone else is doing the driving and you get to sit back, relax, and take photos. Learn more about them, and discover a tour company that consistently delivers delightfully adventurous wild horse tours, from this previous article.

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Take a guided tour of this phenomenal wild cat sanctuary where you'll see and learn about 12 species of wild cats. Big kitties need love and attention too. Learn more from this previously published article.

1940 Hanks Chapel Road, Pittsboro, NC, 27312

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Hear (and hopefully see) a Red Wolf on a guided Wolf Howling at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. On this guided evening tour you're likely to witness the elusive Red Wolf — a wolf created long, long ago from a coyote and a wolf. For more information on the Red Wolf and this guided tour, see this previous article.

Address: Milltail Road, East Lake, NC, 27953

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Facebook/North Carolina Zoo

Facebook/North Carolina Zoo

At the world's largest natural habitat zoo, you'll find a variety of ways to interact with the animal residents. From watching the polar bears to hopping on the zoofari tour or hand-feeding the giraffes, a day at the North Carolina Zoo is sure to please everyone in the family! Learn more from this link. Address: 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC, 27205

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Grandfather Mountain (the attraction, not the state park) offers a would of fun for families. From hiking trails to the world-famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, a day spent at Grandfather is sure to create lasting memories. Don't skip over visiting the mini-zoo to see the residents and their natural habitats. From bears, to cougars, elk, eagles, and yes, even river otters (on top of a mountain), this fun animal encounter is a must-see. Learn more from this link on their official website.

Address: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, 28646

Facebook/Carolina Camel Rides

How many of your friends can say they've ridden a camel? While it's not for everyone, the kiddos (and the big kids at heart) will love this unusual adventure. Take a ride around the ring, or go all the way with a camel hike! Learn more from this previous article. Carolina Camel Rides and Camel Station is found at this Address: 2975 Parks Crossroads Church Road, Ramseur, NC, 27316

North Carolina is teeming with ways to get outside and enjoy our lovely state! Whether you’re hiking, swimming, boating, or just exploring new attractions, our state is the perfect spot to make an adventure happen! For more places to explore, check out this list of 10 hidden places in North Carolina even the locals don’t know about!