Michael the Wildlife Detective
When critters crawl into your home, don't fret! Call Michael the wildlife detective. He uses his
special investigative skills to figure out which animals have decided to make your house their
own and how to safely and humanely stop them in their tracks.
Author Michael Birt, a wildlife biologist, shares with readers the importance of treating
wild animals and nature with respect and kindness--even when they end up in unnatural spaces
and cause inconvenience for their human neighbors. He highlights the importance of finding
compassionate solutions to pesky problems and explains why some animals may wander from
their wild homes into our own.
Michael Birt, Emilie Pitre
Michael Birt earned a degree in wildlife and fisheries science from Texas A&M University and a
master's in agriculture from Tarleton State University. He is founder and president of
ResearchWild!, a wildlife conservation project, and owner of Lycan 360, LLC, which specializes
in humane removal of wildlife from homes and businesses in the New Orleans area. With a
passion for wildlife conservation, he has spent time studying land, wildlife, and marine
management in Australia, Fiji, Botswana, and South Africa. He has worked as a zookeeper at the
Fort Worth Zoo and as an animal care specialist at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, recognized for its
endangered species breeding program.
Illustrator Emilie Pitre graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in studio and
digital art. A digital analyst and graphic artist, she also illustrates character commissions and
family and pet portraits.
