To be a good field biologist, an individual needs more than just “book smarts.”

A strong understanding of the biological sciences is definitely essential. However, there are a number of other unique skills and experiences that are necessary to be involved in the day-to-day, hands-on management of wildlife.

In this lesson, students will explore this concept in more detail. They will read an article to learn about some of the unique skills required to work with the endangered Mexican wolves in Arizona. They will learn the details of tracking wolves and how we use that information to understand wolf habitat and home range.

Students will be asked to use real data to draw conclusions about wolf habitat. They will need to recognize, however, that the data provided is simply a snapshot in time. They will critically analyze the data to identify what conclusions can and cannot be drawn.

The lesson is available as a downloadable PDF that includes ideas to extend and modify the lesson for different audiences.