KATIE SMITH

CONSERVATION DETECTION DOG HANDLER & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST

Detection dogs for wildlife conservation

Katie Smith is a wildlife biologist and conservation detection dog handler dedicated to protecting at-risk species and their habitats. She works throughout the San Francisco Bay Area specializing in innovative, non-invasive monitoring techniques that harness the extraordinary scent-detection abilities of trained dogs.

Her work focuses on locating and safeguarding western pond turtles and their nests—an essential effort for California’s only native freshwater turtle, which faces habitat loss and high nest predation rates. Partnering with her detection dog, Nooch, and a team of dedicated volunteers, Katie is pioneering canine-assisted conservation to increase survivorship and support turtle population recovery.

Building on more than a decade of experience in wildlife monitoring and field data collection to inform conservation and management decisions, Katie is expanding her expertise in conservation detection dog work with the goal of applying these methods to protect additional at-risk species. Passionate about bridging science and public engagement, she collaborates with researchers, volunteers, and land managers to advance effective, inspiring conservation efforts.

Advancing Wildlife Conservation

Western pond turtles, California’s only native freshwater turtle, are facing significant declines throughout their range. Decades of habitat loss and predation have taken a toll, but biologists are using an innovative approach to support their recovery—conservation detection dogs. Trained to locate fragile turtle nests, these dogs are helping researchers protect hatchlings and improve population sustainability. Learn more about how this collaborative effort is advancing turtle conservation. [Read more]

COYOTE COEXISTENCE

As project lead for the Marin Coyote Coexistence Project, Katie conducts safe and humane coyote captures in the field, including specialized handling without anesthesia. She oversees data collection and public education efforts while collaborating with research partners to develop data-driven strategies that reduce human-wildlife conflict and inform effective coyote management across San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties. [Read more]

BAT RESEARCH

Since 2018, Katie has led National Park Service field efforts in collaboration with the USGS to advance the understanding of bat species presence, landscape use, and roost habitat selection across Marin County parklands. Her work directly contributes to the North American Bat Monitoring Program, providing critical data to track species trends and equip land managers with the insights needed to protect local bat populations. [Read more]

PRESENTATIONS

With a deep commitment to wildlife conservation, Katie has delivered engaging presentations on topics ranging from detection dogs and camera traps to western snowy plovers, northern spotted owls, bats, and coyotes—connecting audiences to the science that shapes our understanding of the natural world. She harnesses the power of data to craft compelling stories that inform, engage, and inspire. [Watch wildlife talks]

Detection dogs for wildlife conservation

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