Scholarly Squirrels: In the field experience on campus

Students in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, will have opportunity to use various field techniques and statistical analyses to provide quantitative insight into the world of Eastern Fox squirrels — one of eight squirrel species that call Texas A&M University campus home.

These bushy-tailed, campus rodents provide the perfect opportunity to integrate accessible, field-based monitoring with academic coursework. A total of 12 squirrels will be captured across campus by trained personnel to mitigate stress on the animals. Students will collect data such as sex and weight and equip the squirrels with micro-GPS collars.

The project’s primary objective is to prepare students with technical knowledge and skills needed to conserve and manage any number of wildlife species in an evolving environment. Read more: Exploring the dynamics of Texas A&M’s campus wildlife