April 26, 2012

Naturalist Kevin Mack's cool job

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PAWS Wildlife Center naturalist Kevin Mack conducts an intake exam on a black bear cub. (Courtesy of PAWS)

What do you do? I am the naturalist in charge of the release program at the PAWS Wildlife Center in Lynnwood. Our center is a full-service wildlife hospital that rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wild animals with the goal of returning them to the wild. In the past 31 years, we have worked with more than 100,000 wild animals representing more than 260 different species.

What’s a typical day like? Much of my job involves assessing the behavior and physical abilities of wild patients, choosing release sites for those that are deemed fit and performing or overseeing releases. I also assist with patient care when needed.

How does someone get a job like yours?
Honestly, I don’t know anyone else who has a job like mine. For me though, a degree in wildlife biology, six months of volunteering, a three-month internship, five years of subsequent work in wildlife rehabilitation and an insatiable curiosity about the natural world eventually led me to my current position.

Best part of the job? Seeing animals that have been injured by cars, guns, cats and ... human-created dangers get a second chance at life. I also greatly enjoy sharing the animals’ stories in photographs and writing with the hope of educating the public about how to be better neighbors to the wild animals that share our space.

What surprises people about your job?
I think the fact that a job like this even exists surprises people the most. I release rehabilitated wild animals for a living. That’s not something people expect to hear. I’ve held the position for about 12 years, and on some days, even I still can’t believe it.

--NWjobs staff

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