NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Wildlife ecologist Becky Bolt studies a variety of wildlife, including the alligator. Image Credit: NASA

Becky Bolt holds two corn snakes, just one of many animals found at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Image Credit: NASA

From a helicopter, Becky Bolt gains a different perspective on one of the numerous habitats at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Image Credit: NASA

NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is part of a national wildlife refuge. Becky Bolt, a wildlife ecologist at Kennedy, works with the ecological program to monitor and research a wide variety of habitats and wildlife at the center, from bats and mice to snakes and turtles.


In 2005, Bolt appeared in an educational television show for children called NASA SCI Files™: The Case of the Zany Animal Antics. In this episode, the Treehouse Detectives decide to visit Kennedy Space Center to learn more about animals and how to help and protect them. Bolt described five classes of vertebrates and explained why it is important for NASA to monitor the animals at Kennedy; she even introduced the young detectives to a corn snake!


On April 23, 2012, students had the opportunity to ask Bolt questions about how scientists study wildlife and how this research helps support space operations. Students learned about her exciting career and discovered what Kennedy Space Center is doing to ensure a green and sustainable future.


Related Resources:
> NASA SCI Files™: The Case of the Zany Animal Antics Educator Guide [PDF]→  
> NASA SCI Files™: The Case of the Zany Animal Antics Video →  
> NASA SCI Files™: The Case of the Zany Animal Antics DVD →  
> Alligators and Rocket Ships
> Wildlife -- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge →  
> Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
> Environmental Program at Kennedy Space Center →  
> Every Day Is Earth Day at NASA →