One goal is to perform post-release studies on more animals to track their progress back in the wild. They have tracked a few bears, but Mack believes smaller animals like songbirds and raccoons merit further study. Kip Parker agrees. Plans are in the works for tracking small owls this year, and more in the near future. Animals can be followed by radio transmitters, which requires time and staff to go out in a car or plane with devices to track down the animals.
Satellite tracking is more efficient but highly expensive.
In addition to vying for grant money to buy satellite time for tracking, Parker hopes to partner up with other institutions like the University of Washington in order to expand the post-release program. To date, bears and cougars in particular have been targeted for radio transmitters to demonstrate that such animals raised in captivity don t necessarily become nuisances to the public. Although most of the animals survival skills are instinctual, Mack wonders about creatures like baby songbirds, who need to learn certain behavioral traits from their parents. Parker is optimistic about the Wildlife Department s rehabilitation efforts. As much as he loves his work, Kevin Mack s dream is to be out of a job.