Wildlife Capture and Chemical Immobilization (FIELD)
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This immersive 4-day field course at Wildlife Science Center (WSC) is designed to provide participants with a one-of-a-kind, hands-on learning experience capturing and immobilizing wildlife using a variety of drugs. Prior to arriving at WSC, participants will complete an online course to prepare them for their visit. Pre-recorded lectures will be delivered by Dr. Terry Kreeger, author of the Handbook of Wildlife Chemical Immobilization—the seminal work on the topic and an important resource for all wildlife professionals. At WSC, participants will partake in a series of hands-on labs and handle animals that NEED to be captured for ongoing research or animal care at WSC, including wolves, cougars, black bears, and a variety of mesocarnivores. By the end of the week, participants will gain experience in all practical aspects of capture and chemical immobilization, including safe capture techniques, pharmacology, delivery systems, patient monitoring, collecting biological tissues, medical emergencies, and more.
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Wildlife Capture and Chemical Immobilization (ONLINE) or proof of training from an approved course provider are eligible to enroll in CWS's field course, if the course was completed <1 year ago.
Each day, students will capture, chemically immobilize, and handle different species of wildlife at the Wildlife Science Center (WSC), a nonprofit, science-based education facility that specializes in programs on wolves and other large carnivores.
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DATES
Spring: May 5-8, 2025
PRICE
Course fee (early bird ends Apr 21; saves $150): $1,900 professional / $1,700 student
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Day 1 - Introductions and safety, needle lab, & dart gun lab
Day 2 - Cougar and black bear capture
Day 3 - Wolf captures
Day 4 - Mesocarnivore captures
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Select the appropriate equipment and delivery systems for a capture scenario
Determine the appropriate drugs and calculate the correct dosages for each species
Carry out safety protocols associated with drug handling, capture, and chemical immobilization
Demonstrate proper patient care and monitoring
Collect tissue samples for disease monitoring and research
Fit animals with a radio-collar and other tags
Administer vaccinations, antibiotics, and reversals to immobilized animals
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FACILITY
The Wildlife Science Center (WSC) is a nonprofit, science-based education facility that specializes in programs on wolves and other large carnivores. In addition to providing educational programs to children K-12, the facility is used to conduct research, train wildlife professionals and students like you, and provide critical assistance to endangered species recovery programs, such as red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.
TRAVEL TO WSC
Participants are responsible to find transportation to/from WSC; participants must coordinate with other students if needing to carpool (we will help with that).
LODGING INFO
Participants have the option to stay at WSC for $35/night in an unlocked cabin (bunkhouse) on a gated property. Bathrooms and showers are located in a building nearby. Participants must bring a towel and a sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket for a twin mattress on a bunkbed. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day, as well dinner the last night. A gas stove is available for cooking dinners and other meals. WSC staff and other course participants will provide carpool options each night to sample the local fare. Other local accommodations are available in Forest Lake, MN.
Lead Instructor
Executive Director, Wildlife Science Center in Stacy, MN
“My experience in the four-day Wildlife Capture and Chemical Immobilization course was incredible. The hands-on opportunities to apply classroom learning and work with native North American species was invaluable. Dr. Kreeger and the Wildlife Science Center staff were excellent teachers! I look forward to applying this experience in the field in collaborations with wildlife biologists and researchers in New York.”
Read my blog about the full experience HERE!
-Jennifer Bloodgood
Wildlife Veterinarian & Assistant Professor of Practice, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
“The Wildlife Capture and Chemical Immobilization course at CWS was exciting, fascinating, and very informative! The techniques learned with the hands-on approach will be invaluable to my future career. I highly recommend this course!”
-Jennifer Jachman
DVM, Greenfield Animal Hospital, Southfield, Michigan
“A life experience for students, let alone a great way to learn a new, valuable skill – by doing!”
-Dr. Erik R. Olson
Associate Professor, Northland College
“A top-notch course taught by subject matter experts. The instruction was skillfully delivered with the ideal blend of classroom time and practical application. We all got lots of solid hands-on experience with a variety of techniques and animals. The Wildlife Science Center was the perfect training venue; excellent facilities with an amazing staff. I had no immobilization experience prior to this training, but left feeling confident. Thank you!”
-Jim Peterson, Biological Scientist, United States Air Force
“The training I received through the wildlife capture and chemical immobilization course helped me get a job and has allowed me to jump right in to the capture operations. Thank you for the trainings and opportunities you create through CWS courses!”
-John Melvin, Idaho Fish and Game
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
This course has been pre-approved for continuing education by (1) the Ecological Society of America for 4 CEUs in Category I(b): Professional Education and Training, and (2) The Wildlife Society for 16 CEUs in Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist® Renewal/Professional Development Certificate Program. Participants must complete all exercises to earn CEUs and receive a Certificate of Course Completion. See our continuing education credit page for details.
UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE CREDIT
This 1-semester credit equivalent course can be taken as an Independent Study (or the like) with pre-approval from an advisor or committee chair at a student’s college or university. In addition to meeting the requirements for course completion, students must take a final assessment to earn academic credit (e.g., Pass/Fail, letter grade) for this course. See our academic credit page for details.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations >30 days before the start date are not subject to cancellation fees. Cancellations 15-30 days before the start date are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. Sales are final 14 days before the start date.