Patricia Owen

Patricia Owen

About Pat

Patricia Owen, wildlife biologist at Denali National Park and Preserve.

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Pat did not immediately become a wildlife biologist studying bears in Denali National Park and Preserve. She worked her way into the position. With a degree in biology, Pat worked as a biology technician, ran the air quality program, and dabbled in wildlife studies. But when she heard that the biologist needed help on a bear study, she said “Pick me” and he did. So she traces her 20 year career of studying bears back to being in the right place, at the right time and getting picked as the biological technician for the bear study.

Pat has put radio collars on many bears. She is a good shot which is an advantage. Her accurate shot of the dart that tranquilizes the bear is essential to conduct bear monitoring and management studies. One of the goals of the studies are to sustain a healthy bear population in a natural environment to allow tourists to continue to enjoy the marvels of nature while they visit Denali National Park and Preserve.