A wildlife biologist is someone who studies animals and things that have to do with flora and the environment. The biologist is particularly interested in how the animal interacts with its surroundings, as well as its behavior patterns, diseases, movements, and other threats. The goal is to gain a better understanding of not only how animals interact with one another, but also with other animals and the environment as a whole.
A wildlife biologist may also be tasked with assisting in the formulation of a variety of policies. These include topics such as what is acceptable in terms of human development, the effects of deforestation, good hunting practices, and possibly even animal rescue, rehabilitation, and relocation. A wildlife biologist’s job is designed for people who enjoy being outside and are fascinated animals nature.
A wildlife biologist, in addition to the responsibilities listed above, can also be a very practical person, assisting others in understanding animals and their environments. A wildlife biologist, for example, could explain why animals react the way they do, where they move, and why they move there. When animals wander into an area, this can help communities plan ahead. If a cougar wanders into an area where it is not normally found, for example, a wildlife biologist can help people understand why the animal is there and what to expect from it. This can usually put a community’s mind at ease.
A wildlife biologist may be called in to assist with the control of a nuisance animal. This is an animal that has most likely wandered into a densely populated area with humans, which could be dangerous, or could become dangerous if it has multiple opportunities to interact with humans. The wildlife biologist may be a trapper or assist a trapper in locating and capturing the animal in this case. In this situation, knowing when and why the animal moves, what it is looking for, and its other behaviors could be extremely useful.
Government agencies, such as various natural resources departments, employ the vast majority of wildlife biologists at the local, state, and federal levels. As a result, the goal is not only to learn about the animal, but also to ensure that the job has a public benefit. This could include dealing with environmental issues, community education and outreach, and other similar responsibilities. In the United States, a wildlife biologist’s salary typically starts at $40,000 USD per year or more. A four-year degree in biology or a related field is usually required.