I interviewed Dr. David Steen when he was the Research Ecologist at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. Dr Streen is a Wildlife Scientist and Science Communicator. He is currently the Reptile and Amphibian Research Leader of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the founder and Executive Director of The Alongside Wildlife Foundation (www.alongsidewildlifefoundation.org), and serves on the Board of Directors of the Wildlands Network.
You are a Research Ecologist at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at Jekyll Island. So what does that mean?
The big picture is to generate new knowledge that helps our understanding of Loggerhead turtles and other turtles. We research the status and biology of the Loggerhead population and monitor how it is doing. Research projects take up pretty much all of my time. I also manage the personnel and AmeriCorps Members than help at the center and contribute to the body of knowledge of sea turtles. Research, education and rehabilitation is all interwoven and here at the Center we focus on giving people the full experience of our work.
What is your favorite animal?
The Loggerhead Sea Turtle. They are survivors and warriors that live for decades against the odds. It’s cool to see them return to the beach year after year. You develop relationships with them.
When did you start to be interested in wildlife conservation?
As long as I can remember I have been looking under rocks for salamanders and bugs. I still do that and now I am paid for it.
Your latest book is called Secrets of Snakes. So why did you write this book? And what do you like most about snakes?
I wrote the book basically to interact with people who are not scientists. There are so many misconceptions about snakes and the book aims to educate people and address those misconceptions. Snakes are really fascinating animals. They are very unappreciated and I aim to change that.
What should I do when I see a snake?
Stop, take a step back and just observe it. This is an opportunity to watch wildlife undisturbed.
What do you like best about working at the Sea Turtle Center?
I am surrounded by people wanting to make a difference for sea turtles. That is very inspiring.
How can the community help wildlife?
Learn about local wildlife and conservation issues. See who needs help and donate time and money to the causes you are interested in. Support legislation consistent with your views and priorities.
What do you love about turtles?
They are ancient survivors that have seen a lot over their lives.
What is your favorite type of turtle and why?
The Loggerhead Sea Turtle, they live for ages against the odds. My favorite fresh water turtle is the Painted Turtle. Growing up I would see them in swamps and crossing roads (I didn’t realize it then but they were looking for nesting spots). Painted Turtles tie it all together for me.
What puts turtles in danger and are they I trouble now?
Sea turtles are in trouble in general. The Green Sea Turtle and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle are protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act, which has made a big difference. Sea turtles have in the past often been caught up in commercial fishing nets and drowned. Shrimp trawlers now utilized a Turtle Excluder Device in the nets, which allows turtles to escape nets through a trapdoor. During nesting season we also have people patrolling the beaches to protect the nests which has been very positive for turtle survival.
In your book, Secrets of Snakes, did you have any surprises when researching the book?
The book was developed over 10 years of interacting with people and shakes. I learned a lot from citizen scientists – people who emailed videos and questions. A person in Arkansas sent a video of a Copperhead and a Cotton Mouth fighting. Combat is usually for reproductive purposes in snakes and this combat between different species raised more questions than answers. What were they fighting about? I worked with her to create a scientific paper out of this experience.
What do you want people to know about turtles and snakes? And if they find one, what should they do?
I want to encourage people to appreciate the diversity of organisms on the planet. Snakes and turtles have secret lives we are still learning about. Stand back and observe their behaviors. If you see a turtle crossing the road – as long as you are not at risk, move the turtle to the opposite side of the road, in the direction it was going.
What is a good way to contact you?
Contact me through The Alongside Wildlife Foundation (www.alongsidewildlifefoundation.org) and on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.