Scary Job: This Utah Biologist Climbs Head First Into Bear Dens

Would you dare stick your head in a small cave with a sleeping bear inside? This Utah biologist not only does this multiple times a year, he takes volunteers with him to experience a bear encounter for themselves.

Inside the Mind of a Wildlife Biologist

Recently Clint Sampson, who works Utah Division of Wildlife Resources as a biologist, went to check on the health of some black bears near Vernal. A description of what happened next was detailed by a reporter.

He climbed into a small opening in the rocks and found a hibernating bear inside. He then carefully sedated the bear and pulled her to the cave opening. This was all done while a group of people along for the ride watched.

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It is an interesting look into what these biologist do every year to understand how healthy the bears are and how many are in the state. Sampson brings along the volunteers because he believes it will help the people and the animals.

I think he is right. Just reading the account made me feel a connection to the bears and the brave people doing the work to learn and care for them. This would be a rare opportunity to see wild animals in the wild.

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I certainly don't plan on sticking my head in any bear dens on my own. I'm glad there are people like Sampson who are passionate about taking care of Utah's wildlife.