Michele Windsor

Area Wildlife Biologist - WI Department of Natural Resources

Jul 23, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Too many to count. Probably working with Moose in NW Montana and coming face to face with grizzlies and black bears while working on the project.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Yes. The boundary waters as a kid and the Minnesota River Wildlife Refuge (Black Dog) which was very close to my house in suburban, MN and where I took the dogs for a walk.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

cougars. The sleekness, secretive nature, beauty of the animal has always intrigued me. Bats are a close second.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Cheap energy consumption. When economic times are tight people aren't willing to spend more and are more apt to open up drilling in wildlife refuges, etc. Also tough economic times folks are less willing to invest in natural resource conservation.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

The old adage, invest in real estate because they aren't making anymore of it. Buy land to minimize developments.