What is something you do that the public doesn’t hear/know about?
Ask a Biologist Monday 4/21/25
Answers from Biologists:
Digging into appendices of EPA documents to understand the pitfalls of their models/practices.
Raise larval oysters.
In order for you to fly safely, there is someone doing lethal and nonlethal wildlife mitigation at all airports.
The intricacies of Tribal negotiations.
Monitoring of threatened and endangered species during migration at wind farms to curb impact.
Apply for new seasonal positions every few months. Job applications never end.
Send yearly thank you notes and project updates to landowners who let us survey their land.
Property inventory every year tracking all equipment in our department.
People think we “save” injured wildlife but options are let nature take its course or euthanize.
A lot of technical skills like boat driving and diving.
Work a lot with private industry partners and contractors.
Lots of community outreach.
So much paperwork, data management, and archive organization.
Have to euthanize sick/injured wildlife.
Grants applications and management.
Interpret state and federal laws associated with wildlife and fish.
Testing water quality and safety.
A lot of technical coding and data.
Work for 10 years to maybe get to a salary of $50k.
Reading to keep up w/the state of science. Could read 40 hrs/wk and still be behind.
Collect roadkill deer for CWD sampling practice and mountain lion bait.
Ensure sustainable hunt harvest for recreation, subsistence, and commercial use.
Monitor the spread of diseases that could affect humans.
Improve access to natural areas.
Advise the government and local individuals on how to manage their resources.
Here is a comprehensive list of things Fish and Wildlife Biologists do for the Public:
Keep your drinking water clean by protecting wetlands, forests, and watersheds that naturally filter water.
Prevent flooding and erosion by restoring habitats that absorb heavy rainfall and stabilize shorelines.
Reduce car accidents with wildlife by studying movement patterns and helping design wildlife crossings and signage.
Keep fish and game populations healthy so there’s always something to catch, hunt, or enjoy watching.
Protect you from animal-borne diseases by monitoring wildlife health and stopping outbreaks before they spread.
Fight invasive species that can harm local ecosystems, property, crops, and water systems.
Advise on where and how to build roads, homes, and energy projects to avoid harming important habitats.
Protect species before they’re endangered so ecosystems stay in balance and costly emergency protections aren’t needed.
Support your favorite outdoor activities like fishing, birding, kayaking, and hiking through habitat conservation.
Work with farmers and landowners to create wildlife-friendly spaces while supporting agricultural productivity.
Make sure wildlife laws are fair and based on science so everyone can enjoy natural resources now and in the future.
Offer public education and field trips that help kids and adults connect with nature and learn how to protect it.
Preserve cultural and natural heritage by protecting species and landscapes important to Indigenous and local communities.
Boost local economies by managing wildlife areas that draw tourists, hunters, and anglers.
