Bill Puckette, retired science teacher, bat conservationist, and avid caver was recently honored with the Oklahoma Chapter of The Wildlife Society's most prestigious award at the 2018 Oklahoma Natural Resources Conference. Puckette's work in the Ozark region has significantly contributed to the advancement of cave and bat science and conservation in our state.
"Oklahoma" award recipient Bill Puckette, third from left, was honored at a recent conference. Also pictured are Craig Davis, Steve Hensley and Richard Stark. Photo provided by The Wildlife Society.
“Bill has made truly indispensable and irreplaceable contributions to cave and bat conservation in Oklahoma,” said Richard Stark, biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge, a cave refuge established to help recover federally listed cave species. “His conservation efforts have extended over 35 years and continue to this day.”
Puckette, a trained geologist, has identified at least 90 caves that provide important habitat for Oklahoma's wildlife and made design improvements to cave gates so that they are more bat-friendly. He has also played a crucial role in monitoring efforts and scientific studies of bats and other cave wildlife since 1981.
“His selfless commitment to conservation is readily apparent,” Stark said. “And his love for conservation has and continues to inspire those who work alongside him.”