Integration of Wildlife Damage Management into the College Curriculum

The addition of wildlife damage management (WDM) to the university curriculum creates a well-rounded, more prepared graduate. WDM is the arena in which pure science is put to the test. Through the application of hypotheses derived from our traditional curricula, wildlife damage management students utilize the scientific method to try and solve problems pertinent to our modem world. The need for professionals well versed in WDM grows annually. Therefore, it is the responsibility of universities to train their students such that they will have the skills to compete in the expanding field of wildlife damage management. Once students have learned about what wildlife conflicts are and how many scientists approach the resolution to these problems, the next step would be to train them. The most important part of wildlife damage management training is experience with the tools used in conflict resolution. There are several factors that may prevent WDM courses or limit WDM courses in many universities, including limited staff time, budget restraints, and the absence of an obvious training ground. The Berryman Institute (BI) considers camaraderie and exposure to be the two greatest assets to education. Creating a diverse camaraderie expands exposure to new ideas and broadens the students\u27 knowledge. Conversely, exposure to new people creates more opportunities for friendships and partnerships, increasing the BIs circle of camaraderie. The BI is unique in that it has a large core base of professors who are active members in its organization. Instead of one professor studying and teaching WDM, there are 7-10 active professorial participants. Most of these professors are involved in ongoing research concerning human-wildlife conflict issues. They pass on their knowledge in the classroom and via volunteer and work-study opportunities. Over the past 10 years, hundreds of students have benefited through active membership in the Bl. They have earned professional careers in wildlife fields across the US. Also, many private, state, and federal organizations frequently request students from the BI for employment, noting the success that they experience when they last hired a BI member