NEWPORT — The Rogue Detection Team of highly trained search dog and wildlife professional handler are arriving in Newport to present another event. Wildlife Biologist Collette Yee from Rice, Wash. will explain how she and her dog find rare or elusive animals and plants in exotic places.
This free-to-the-public event is sponsored by Selkirk Alliance for Science and takes place on Saturday, March 14, at 2 p.m. at the Create Arts & Community Center, 900 W. 4th in Newport. All ages are welcome to attend.
Yee will describe and demonstrate the process to adopt, train, and care for dogs that were abandoned to an animal shelter. RDT partnerships have traveled around the world to find animal scats, pellets, eggs or larvae, carcasses, nests, and dens even when below-ground. A wide variety of target animals have included cheetahs, orca whales, bumblebees, and spotted owls.
Their time in the field is difficult on handler and dog and searches often extend to many consecutive days. Strenuous bushwhacking and backpacking are usually required, so dog handlers are trained to provide medical care for human or canine emergencies of the unexpected kind. This presentation is supported by a grant from the Kalispel Tribe Charitable Fund, and by the Kalispel Natural Resources Department, Responsible Growth Northeast Washington, and Create Arts Center. One audience member will be randomly chosen to receive a free science pocket guide.