What do you even call a job like this?

[panur_links]

Well, this is awkward… I’m not really sure how to go about asking this, so I’ll do my best so feel free to ask me for clarifications if what I’m asking is difficult

Comments

[penhaligonblue]

His field of study would be zoology, ethology, or sociobiology. His job title would be 'Chief Field Researcher'; 'Head, Wolf Monitoring Program'; or something similar. Camping actually seems like the most likely accommodation - perhaps at the top of a fire tower, if you want to get him off the ground. But people camp in bear-, wolf-, and cougar-dense areas all the time. You just need to keep your food away from your tent (and out of the animals' reach), and know what to do in case of an attack. If your character is partnering with a government agency, he might have a 'home base' in a ranger cabin (or at a ranger's family home in a nearby town), from which he makes data-collecting excursions of a few days up to two weeks at a time.

[marycatelli]

also know how to avoid provoking an attack, such as -- if you see a bear cub run away before the mommy finds you standing between her and the cub; if you see a cougar, look big and intimidating; if you see a moose try to look small and inoffensive.

[laylalawlor]

Yes, I was going to say this - about camping, I mean. I live in Alaska and I have camped in bear and wolf country plenty of times, and I rarely carry a gun. You're just careful and alert. People do it all the time, and it's what I would expect someone who is studying wolves in the field to be doing. Most of the people I've known who were biologists or outdoor photographers were super outdoorsy people who would think nothing of grabbing a sleeping bag and roughing it for a few days

[panur_links]

my character is sounding fancier and fancier by the time, thank you for the info!

[panur_links]

i'll see if I can find it online, thanks!

[randomstasis]

A wildlife biologist of some sort, if he were working for the Park Service he might even be required to carry a gun for safety.
but I'm not sure why he wouldn't be camping; most visitors to Yellowstone intend to camp or stay outside the park, since lodges are expensive and booked early, even some of the camping areas are booked up at peak season. People working in the Park usually camp; commuting takes too long and is kind of silly, when they need to be onsite at odd hours.
There are a few cabins and dorms available for staff, (rangers, firewatchers, etc) but he wouldn't find his wolves there.
Also, some of the more remote areas you have to (horse)pack or hike in, which can take most of a day, so you take the supplies you need for several days.

[panur_links]

interesting, I'll research on the gun use, thanks!

[randomstasis]

a friend, camping and working on a project in the remote areas mentioned posted several pics of wolves and migrating bison herds they had to dodge- this is the only public photo she has up-http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1127107260747&set=a.1033453799469.2007017.1319133445&type=3&theater

[rabidsamfan]

Thirding "Never Cry Wolf" or even just the movie if you're feeling lazy.

Also check your local library for Once A Wolf which is part of a series of books called "Scientists in the Field" for kids. Great descriptions of wolves in that one, and other books in the series make it easy to understand how scientists observe animals within their own habitats.

[panur_links]

movie might be easier to find, thanks! I'll try to check for the book though, since it sounds interesting

[clarice]

My brother works for Fish and Game seasonally in rural Alaska. They keep a rifle loaded with bean bag ammunition as defense against angry momma bears. I'm not sure what sort of permit or clearance (if any) you'd need to bring non-lethal weapons into a state park if you're not with Fish and Game or the Parks Service, but there are guns made specifically for non-lethal bean bag rounds. (you can also load them into a regular rifle.)

[panur_links]

bag ammunition sounds like a great idea!