A wildlife biologist studies animals and their interactions with the environment, and may be involved in policy-making and community education. They may also deal with troublesome animals and are typically employed by government agencies. Salary starts at $40,000 USD per year.
A wildlife biologist is a person who studies animals and things related to wildlife and the environment. In particular, the biologist wants to know how the animal interacts with its environment, behavior patterns, disease, movement, and other threats. The purpose of this is to help better understand not only how animals react to each other, but to other animals and the environment as a whole.
A wildlife biologist may also be responsible for helping to determine a number of different policies. This includes what is acceptable in terms of human development, the effects of deforestation, good hunting practices and perhaps even helping with the rescue, rehabilitation and relocation of animals. By its very nature, the job of a wildlife biologist is for people who enjoy the outdoors and have a fascination with animals.
In addition to the roles described above, a wildlife biologist can also be a very hands-on person, helping others to understand animals and their environments. For example, a wildlife biologist can explain why animals might react in a certain way, where they move and why they move there. This can help communities better plan for when animals enter the area. For example, if a cougar wanders into an area where it is not normally found, a wildlife biologist can help explain to people why the animal is there and what to expect from it. In most cases, this can put a community’s mind at ease.
There are times when a wildlife biologist may be called upon to help deal with a troublesome animal. This is an animal that has likely entered an area heavily populated by humans that could be considered dangerous or could become dangerous if given multiple opportunities to encounter people. In this case, the wildlife biologist may be a hunter, or may help a hunter locate and capture the animal. Knowing when and why the animal moves, what it’s looking for, and its other behaviors can be extremely valuable in these kinds of circumstances.
The vast majority of wildlife biologists are employed by government agencies, such as various departments of natural resources, at the local, state, or federal level. As such, the goal is not just to learn about the animal, but to ensure that there is a public benefit to the work. This may include dealing with sustainability issues, community education and outreach, and other obligations. A wildlife biologist salary usually starts at $40,000 US Dollars (USD) per year or more in the United States. Positions usually require a four-year degree in biology or another related field.
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