2008 Q & A
June 17, 2008
What are the requirements for becoming a Park Ranger? Caitlin, 8th grade, East Burke Middle School, Burke County
Hey Caitlin, this is Scott Hartley and I’m a Park Superintendent at Weymouth Woods State Park in North Carolina. North Carolina State Parks require at least a 2 year degree (4 year preferred) in Parks, Resource Management, Biology or a related science degree. You can also volunteer or work as a seasonal employee. This is a good way to see what rangers do on a daily basis. Park Rangers are required to become sworn law enforcement officers once they are hired. We get to do a wide variety of work: educating people about our state’s natural resources, enforcing our state laws and regulations and managing our resources. It’s the best job in the world (if I do say so myself)!
How many endangered species (animals and plants) have you seen so far? How many live in Yellowstone? Jhamil, 8th grade, Table Rock Middle School, Burke County
The only endangered species that can be found in Yellowstone is the Whooping Crane and we haven’t seen one yet. We have seen Grizzly Bears, which until April 2007 were listed as a threatened species, and Gray Wolves, which were recently removed from the endangered species list.
Have people been attacked or killed by the wildlife? Caroline, 8th grade, East Burke Middle School, Burke County
The short answer is yes. Many people fail to observe rules about staying a safe distance from wildlife and then find themselves in trouble. We have heard stories about a photographer being killed by a Grizzly Bear and people being charged by Elk and Bison.
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