Developing Skills for Safely Handling Wildlife

 

In the Wildlife and Fisheries job sector, the ability to handle wildlife is an essential skill that requires reading the animal’s body language and knowing their temperament. Since animals cannot communicate their thoughts or intentions directly, it becomes crucial to understand their body language in order to assess their behavior and ensure both their safety and our own. While some animals are accustomed to human interaction, others are more unpredictable and require extra caution. No matter the specific career path I pursue, I will need to know how to handle and care for animals with varying temperaments. Through my education and hands-on internships, I have gained the knowledge and confidence to safely work with wildlife, which has also provided clarity on the direction I want my career to take after graduation.

 

Hands-on Experience: My Journey into Wildlife Rehabilitation

 

My first significant exposure to wildlife came during a summer internship with Friends of Texas Wildlife, a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal rehabilitation. This role provided a variety of responsibilities, including feeding a range of animals, cleaning enclosures, and assisting with medical procedures. I learned to prepare food for different species, such as cutting fruits and vegetables for songbirds or defrosting mice for the raptors. A significant part of the job was cleaning animal enclosures, which required us to enter their personal spaces. Some animals, particularly the raptors, were sensitive to human presence, but with careful attention and controlled movements, we were able to minimize stress for both the animals and ourselves. One of the most fascinating aspects of this internship was working with a barn owl that displayed unique temperamental differences with each staff member. She would allow certain individuals into her enclosure but refused others. Through observation and guidance from experienced staff, I learned how to read her body language to ensure my safety and comfort around her. This experience, along with working with various other animals, including a milk snake, songbirds, and small mammals, reinforced my desire to pursue a career in wildlife rehabilitation. During the internship, I also had the opportunity to visit a licensed rehabilitator’s home to care for foxes, which further deepened my understanding of the challenges and responsibilities involved in rehabilitation work. This internship provided invaluable practical experience and solidified my commitment to pursuing a career working with wildlife. 

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Building Knowledge: Wildlife Management Techniques and Practical Skills

 

After completing my internship, I enrolled in a Techniques of Wildlife Management class as part of my bachelor’s degree program. The course included both lectures and hands-on labs that introduced me to key wildlife management practices, such as remote sensing, GPS collars, and ear tagging. In the lab, we applied our knowledge by identifying species based on their fur, feathers, bones, teeth, and tracks. Although the course lasted only one semester, it equipped me with a foundational understanding of the various techniques used in the field of wildlife management. These skills will undoubtedly be invaluable as I continue my career in the wildlife industry, providing me with a strong technical background to complement my hands-on experiences. This course expanded my knowledge of wildlife management, preparing me for more complex roles in the field. 

 

Practical Experience: Animal Care and Crisis Management 

 

My second wildlife internship took place at Harris County’s Bear Creek Pioneers Park, where I worked as an animal care intern. This role allowed me to put the skills I had acquired in my previous internship and wildlife management class into practice. I assisted the full-time staff with cleaning enclosures, preparing food, administering medication, and grooming the farm animals. The park housed a variety of animals, including miniature donkeys, horses, pigs, and a Boer’s goat on one side, and raptors and parrots on the other. Once the animals were cared for, we would also work on side projects, such as entertaining the parrots or picking up supplies. One particularly challenging experience occurred halfway through the summer when Hurricane Beryl was projected to hit Houston, placing the park in its path. We had to prepare the animals for evacuation, which involved loading the farm animals onto a trailer. The raptors and parrots, however, presented a more complicated task. Since the birds had to be placed in cages, and they were highly resistant to confinement, we had to handle them with great care. With guidance from the staff, I learned how to safely catch the raptors and carry them in a way that protected me from their sharp talons and claws.  For three weeks, the birds remained in their cages, and their stress levels were high. This made caring for them more difficult, as they became agitated and prone to lashing out. Thankfully, after the evacuation, the birds were returned to their enclosures, and their behavior normalized once they had their space back. This internship not only strengthened my animal care skills but also taught me how to handle high-pressure situations and manage animal welfare during times of crisis. 

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Applying Knowledge and Experience: Preparing for a Career in Wildlife Rehabilitation

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Through my internships and coursework, I have gained both theoretical knowledge and practical experience that have prepared me for a career in wildlife care and management. Each experience, from working with rehabilitated animals to learning wildlife management techniques, has enhanced my ability to understand and handle animals in diverse situations. Whether it's reading an animal’s body language, managing their care during a crisis, or applying specific management techniques, these skills will guide me as I continue to pursue my passion for working with wildlife. My internships have solidified my desire to become a wildlife rehabilitator, and I am excited to apply what I've learned to make a positive impact in the field.