Wildlife Biology Question.... Direct contact with animals?

Question

Hey I'm really interested in wildlife biology, and I'm wondering if you come into direct contact with animals frequently with that job. What I really want to do is something like breeding endangered species, and releasing them back out into the wild, but I don't know what thats called. And I don't want to be stuck in a lab all the time or indoors a lot, I want to be in direct contact with the animals at most times... anyone know what this is called??

Answer 1

Look into programs in Conservation Biology, specifically Wildlife Conservation.  You'll need to go to graduate school after getting your BS.  I am in the same situation, that is what I'd like to do.  I am about to complete my BS in Biology but still can't figure out the best route!  If you're against research, avoid Zoology for sure.

Answer 2

I work as a wildlife biologist that specializes in ornithology, so I do get to handle wild birds and baby chicks in the nest etc.  I also get to handle reptiles, amphibians, fish, bats, and small mammals.  I come in close contact with coyotes, bobcat, deer, wild pigs, etc. while out working, but I do not specifically study those animals.  Depending on what animals you study and what you are studying about them will determine if you will be interacting with them.  If you do radio tracking, you would have to trap the animal to putt the tracking device on them, or if you are banding birds, you would capture them to band them.  If you want to breed endangered species..basically only zoos do this type of work, or a few animal sancuaries that are located in the country of origin where that specific endangered species comes from. You might want to look into being a wildlife or field biologist (meaning you will spend most of your time outdoors as I do). To do this career, you will need a MINIMUM of a Bachelor of Science degree.