Cougs Conserve Nature with Daniel

Transcript

To learn about the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences program, let’s welcome Daniel. As a tier one research institution, WSU is home to several animal conservation, rehabilitation, and research facilities, including the Endangered Species Lab, Stauber Raptor facility, and the Wild Ungulate Facility home of the WSU Deer Program. But Daniel focuses on animals a bit larger than deer. Tell us more Daniel.

– Thanks, Alex. Hi everyone. The Washington State University Bear Research Education and Conservation Center is the only one of its kind in the United States. I’ve always been interested in large carnivores, so when I heard that Washington State University had this unique facility, I knew that this was the place that would give me opportunities to get experience and make connections in my field. Here at the Bear Center, students and professionals are able to conduct research with wild and captive bears to help answer questions surrounding bear conservation and captive management. We’re involved in many research projects that look into genetics, nutritional ecology, and hibernation physiology that could have implications on human health. WSU partners with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee and our bears participate by attempting to break into coolers being tested to be certified as bear resistant. Another project I’ve worked on is a master’s students project looking into applications for taste diversion to try and reduce bear human conflict. The Bear Center has also given me skills to prepare me for other wildlife careers. Feeding of course, is an important aspect of caring for carnivores in captivity, but cleaning and enrichment are a huge part of it too. We also learn how to weigh animals and other basic veterinary procedures like drawing blood through voluntary behavior and monitoring vitals while the bears are under anesthesia. The Washington State University Bear Center has given me a lot of hands-on opportunities in the wildlife field, whether it’s through gaining research experience with employees and grad students here, or the daily and routine healthcare of the bears. This will help me immensely when applying for jobs, working with wildlife after I graduate. Thanks for bearing with me. Back to you, Alex.

– Daniel, your passion and contribution to the research and conservation of grizzly bears is incredible. You can’t do that anywhere else in the country. At WSU, Cougs can engage in unique hands-on experiences to build necessary skills for success in their careers and graduate programs. Thanks for sharing the bear necessities with us Daniel, Thanks again.