Wildlife

Essential Topics

1. 1. 1. Wildlife Identification and Natural History
      2. Wildlife Biology and Adaptations
      3. Wildlife Ecology
      4. Conservation and Wildlife Management
      5. Wildlife and Society
      6. Wildlife Health
      7. Field and Analytical skills

Learning Objectives

Correlated to the Pennsylvania STEELS Standards.

Envirothon students will be able to:

1. Wildlife Identification and Natural History

• Identify Pennsylvania birds and mammals, describe their natural history, and be able to define their ecological roles.
  STEELS:1.3.G; 3.1.6–8.T; 3.1.9–12.W
• Differentiate between herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores using skull morphology and dentition.
  STEELS:1.6–8.D; 3.1.6–8.E; 3.1.5.B
• Evaluate habitats to determine which species are most likely to be present.
  STEELS:1.3.G; 3.1.6–8.U

2. Wildlife Biology and Adaptations

• Explain how anatomical, physiological, and behavioral adaptations help wildlife survive in their ecosystems.
  STEELS:1.3.G; 3.1.6–8.T; 3.1.9–12.W
• Describe the significance of life cycles, migration, circadian rhythms, and seasonal changes for Pennsylvania wildlife.
  STEELS:1.6–8.F; 3.1.9–12.H
• Compare generalist vs. specialist species and predict responses to environmental change.
  STEELS:1.9–12.I; 3.1.9–12.M

3. Wildlife Ecology

• Define habitat and identify essential components required by different wildlife species.
  STEELS:1.3.G
• Model food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids to explain energy flow in ecosystems.
  STEELS:1.6–8.F; 3.1.5.B; 3.1.9–12.H
• Analyze predator-prey relationships and their impact on population dynamics.
  STEELS:1.6–8.I; 3.1.9–12.I
• Explain ecological concepts such as succession, carrying capacity, competition, and biodiversity.
  STEELS:1.6–8.L; 3.1.9–12.M; 3.1.9–12.L; 3.1.9–12.N
• Assess the role of biodiversity in ecosystem resilience and stability.
  STEELS:1.9–12.V

4. Conservation and Management

• Describe the role of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Game & Wildlife Code.
  STEELS:3.9–12.Q
• Identify major wildlife management practices (habitat improvement, hunting regulation, reintroduction programs, disease monitoring) and evaluate their effectiveness.
  STEELS:4.6–8.G; 3.4.9–12.G
• Explain biological vs. cultural/social carrying capacity and how they affect human-wildlife interactions.
  STEELS:1.6–8.I; 3.1.6–8.U; 3.4.6–8.B; 3.4.9–12.C
• Analyze the role of hunting, trapping, and reintroduction programs as wildlife management tools throughout conservation history.
  STEELS:3.9–12.Q; 3.4.6–8.H; 3.4.9–12.H
• Evaluate conservation strategies at local, state, and international levels, including legislation such as the Endangered Species Act.
  STEELS:4.9–12.C; 3.3.9–12.R

5. Wildlife and Society

• Assess human impacts (habitat loss, fragmentation, climate change, pollution) on wildlife.
  STEELS:4.6–8.B; 3.4.9–12.B; 3.4.9–12.D
• Explain threats and impacts of invasive and exotic species on Pennsylvania ecosystems.
  STEELS:1.9–12.L; 3.1.9–12.N; 3.4.6–8.D; 3.4.9–12.D
• Evaluate case studies of endangered and threatened species in Pennsylvania and propose management strategies.
  STEELS:4.6–8.B; 3.4.9–12.C; 3.3.9–12.R
• Discuss positive/negative human-wildlife interactions, in both rural and urban communities.
  STEELS:1.6–8.T; 3.1.9–12.W

6. Wildlife Health

• Identify common wildlife diseases (Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), Avian Influenza (AI), mange, West Nile) and their effects on populations.
  STEELS:1.9–12.L; 3.3.9–12.Q
• Explain monitoring and response strategies for wildlife disease outbreaks.
  STEELS:4.9–12.F

7. Field and Analytical Skills

• Use field guides, dichotomous keys, and digital tools for wildlife identification.
  STEELS:1.6–8.E; 3.1.9–12.I
• Interpret wildlife signs and sounds to infer behavior, diet, and habitat use.
  STEELS:1.6–8.D; 3.1.9–12.W
• Recommend best management practices for diverse landscapes (forests, wetlands, grasslands, urban areas).
  STEELS:4.6–8.G; 3.4.9–12.G

Reference Materials – 2025-2026

Reference Materials

1. • Wildlife Classifications-Updates
   • Fluorescent Orange
   • Mentored Hunting Program
   • State Game Lands
   • Chronic Wasting Disease
   • Reporting a Violation
   • Reporting Banded Birds
2. How does the US Fish and Wildlife Service monitor migratory game bird harvest in the United States?
3. Why is it important to use non-toxic shot when waterfowl hunting?
4. Learning about the Pennsylvania Game Commission
   • How do I contact the Game Commission? 
   • Who is the Game Commission?
   • What is a Game Commissioner?
5. Wildlife Health
   • Avian Influenza
   • West Nile Virus
   • Mange
   • Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease
   • Chronic Wasting Disease
6. Wildlife Notes
7. Pennsylvania Species, Ecosystems & Biodiversity
8. North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (Summary from Project WILD)
9. Skulls Examining Predator and Prey Carnivore, Herbivore, and Omnivore

2025-2026 Species Profile

Students should be able to identify, describe the natural history, determine the wildlife biology, and evaluate habitat for the animals listed below. Identification signs could include: a picture, replica, decoy, fur, hair, feather, gnawing, rubbing, pellet, nest, scat, track, skull, song, sound, etc. Students should review the Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Notes and supplemental information provided below. There are 45 animals designated in the 2025 – 2026 Wildlife Profile.

• Chimney swift, purple martin, and swallows (7 total)
• White-tailed deer
• Eagles and osprey (3 total)
• Squirrels (4 total)
• Chickadees, nuthatches, titmouse, and brown creeper (6 total)
• Diving ducks (15 total)
• Weasels
• Mink
• Fisher
• River otter
• Mourning dove
• Woodchuck
• Opossum

Mammal Sounds – The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Macaulay Library website

Bird Calls/Songs that are required for the 2025-2026 Envirothon include:

1. Mourning dove
2. Chickadee
3. Bald eagle
4. Chimney swift
5. Tree swallow
6. White-breasted nuthatch
7. Osprey
8. Bufflehead

 

Birds Songs – Utilize the Identiflyer or visit The Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds website. Bird songs and calls on the state test will come from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We suggest using the Macaulay Library or the Merlin app to study.

Animal Tracks – Critter Cards or visit iTrack wildlife (Animal tracks App).

Learning Enhancements – Information is not required.

Wildlife Station Training videos produced by the PA Game Commission and Lancaster County Conservation District

Wildlife Training Video – Session 1

Wildlife Training Video – Session 2

Wildlife Training Video – Session 3

Urban Wildlife Kit with Dan Lynch

Deer Aging Tool (available from your local County Conservation District)