Why Wildlife?

Is wildlife biology for you? If you love the outdoors, want to study animals and contribute to conservation and management, then yes!

Wildlife biologists are scientists devoted to the conservation of wildlife through the preservation of all species, the enhancement of wildlife habitat, management of wildlife challenges, and the consumptive use of wildlife.

They must be prepared to deal with complex ecological, sociological, and political problems that may lead to the extinction of a species. Ecological damage caused by abundant species is another area of concern.

Habitat preservation and enhancement are critical and in order to thrive, animals need proper food, cover, water, and special needs. Human activities alter many habitats to the detriment of some wildlife. A wildlife biologist is responsible for preserving these lands.

Wildlife biologists also control hunting seasons and oversee situations where conventional agriculture, forestry, range management cause conditions where some rodents, deer, fish-eating birds, and other species may become "pests."

To accomplish these objectives, scientists must understand the complex ecological interactions, cultural, sociological, and economic problems that are related to the preservation of wildlife and human land use practices. And they must be able to communicate their understanding of these relationships to the general public and to various levels of government.