Walt Cottrell, DVM

Walter Cottrell has served as the Bureau of Wildlife Management’s first wildlife veterinarian since 2004.  He is responsible for all matters that relate to wildlife health.  He is also responsible for providing support for the Bureau’s research section studies, forensic advice to the Bureau of Wildlife Protection, management of the wildlife pharmaceutical program, and independent research into issues relating to wildlife health.  In addition, he is the Commissions liaison with the Departments of Agriculture and Health, and the state veterinary laboratory system (PADLS).  Stationed at the Animal Diagnostic Laboratory at Penn State he also performs necropsies on diseased wildlife.

Cottrell received a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management and a Master of Science degree in Biology from Michigan State University.  His graduate work dealt with the toxicity of polybrominated biphenols in bobwhite quail.  He holds his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University.

After graduation from Michigan State Cottrell worked as a wildlife biologist for state agencies in Maryland and Vermont, as well as the US Forest Service in Minnesota.  After graduation from veterinary school Cottrell owned and operated a veterinary practice serving large and small animals in Vermont and New Hampshire for 19 years.  In 2004 he moved to Pennsylvania and was employed as a small animal veterinarian in State College.

Cottrell is the author of many professional and popular articles on a wide variety of subjects including trapping and natural history, as well as veterinary diseases and management practices.  He is the former host of a radio program highlighting veterinary medicine.  He is the author of a column on canine health in the magazine Upland Almanac.  He is a certified wildlife biologist and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Wildlife Disease Association, and the American Association of Wildlife veterinarians.

Walt was born in Michigan.  He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1972.  He is married, has one son, and two grandsons.  He enjoys bird dogs and bird hunting, fishing, cooking, and reading.