The Game Commission has hired a new wildlife biologist to serve as its elk project leader.

Jeremy Banfield began his work for the commission this week.

A native of the Rochester, N.Y.-area, Banfield comes to the Game Commission after working most recently as a wildlife biologist with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Banfield received his bachelor's degree in fisheries and wildlife management from Michigan State University and received his master's of science in ecology from the University of Alberta.

While working toward his master's degree, Banfield's studies focused on mountain lion foraging and prey selection, with an emphasis on impacts to elk populations.

Banfield has experience capturing and radio-tracking elk and other wildlife, investigating and resolving crop-damage issues, conducting wildlife surveys and research studies, running check stations and providing public presentations on his work.

Banfield also is a four-year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, where he worked as a machinery technician with and supervised a boat engineering and maintenance group.

Banfield, his wife and his 2-year-old son have taken up residence in DuBois.

In his new role, Banfield said he wants to continue Pennsylvania's legacy of effective elk management in the state's northcentral region.

"I look forward to meeting and talking with the residents of and visitors to the area comprising Pennsylvania's elk range, and working to ensure the continued success of the state's elk," Banfield said.

For more information, visit the Game Commission’s Elk Viewing Area webpage.

5/20/2013