Wildlife Vocalizations: Hannah Leeper

Growing up in Minnesota, my family spent weekends camping, hunting and fishing. I always knew that I wanted to work with nature and wildlife, but I didn’t have a clear idea of how exactly I would get to do that. I knew I couldn’t make a living from just hunting and fishing, but I wanted those two activities incorporated into my career.

We were camping on one particularly nice fall weekend when we noticed beaver (Castor canadensis) damage along the shoreline of the lake and a huge beaver lodge not far from the fishing dock. My dad showed me how to set Conibear 330 beaver traps, and explained how destructive beavers can be to a lake, especially when they chew up the trees on the shoreline and contaminate the water.

Early the next morning, I hauled a five-gallon bucket filled with rebar, Conibear setting tongs and beaver lure along the shoreline to check the traps we set the night before. To my amazement, there was a beaver inside! I was shocked that our efforts paid off, and we were able to catch the culprit destroying the shoreline.

As I was dragging the heavy beavers out to show off our catch, it clicked that I don’t only have to hunt and fish to have a happy, successful career. Nuisance trapping, conservation and education about the balance of ecosystems are all tied together, and I wanted every aspect of that to become my career. Mostly, I loved being outdoors, and I didn’t want to give that up.

Looking back now, I’ve learned that all animals—even beavers—serve important roles in their ecosystems, and the balance of those ecosystems depends on having those animals around. Since that day when I had the realization that I wanted to work outdoors, I’ve grasped as many opportunities as I can, including more nuisance trapping, visiting bear dens, collaring deer fawns, banding Canada geese (Branta canadensis) and conducting vegetation surveys for lynx (Lynx canadensis). I took technician positions in six different states with seven different agencies.

Every experience has further solidified my career choice, as I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in wildlife science. I wish every young wildlife enthusiast finds their path and pursues their passion for natural resources.

Wildlife Vocalizations is a collection of short personal perspectives from people in the field of wildlife sciences. Learn more about Wildlife Vocalizations, and read other contributions.

Submit your story for Wildlife Vocalizations or nominate your peers and colleagues to encourage them to share their story. For questions, please contact tws@wildlife.org.