Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, introduction

Introduction

As cities and suburbs continue to grow, and human beings push outwards to seek more land for housing developments, farms, and natural resources, the likelihood of interacting with a wild animal in one’s day-to-day life has increased. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, possessing a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from Columbia University, is doing research so that these interactions between humans and large carnivores can be safer for both.

As a Research Fellow with the National Geographic Society and a Visiting Scientist with the American Museum of Natural History, Dr. Wynn-Grant has focused on conflict between humans and grizzly bears, black bears, and African lions.

In these activities inspired by Dr. Wynn-Grant's work, students will discuss: what does an animal, including humans, need to survive, and what happens when two different animals meet in the same space for the same resources? Are carnivores always dangerous to people? Why does the environment need carnivores, and how/why are they an essential part of the food web?