Which of the following is listed as PPE for handling wildlife?

• A. Head covers
• B. Gloves
• C. Face masks
• D. Shoe covers

Answer: (B)

Protecting the hands is essential when handling wildlife because the hands are the main point of contact with animals and with potentially contaminated materials. Gloves create a barrier between skin and the animal, its bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces, reducing the risk of bite injuries, scratches, and disease transmission. They also help prevent cross-contamination and are typically disposable, making it easy to change between animals for safety.

Face masks protect the respiratory tract, not the hands, so they don’t provide the same direct protection needed for handling wildlife. Head covers and shoe covers contribute to cleanliness but don’t offer the protective barrier for the hands that gloves do. That direct hand protection is why gloves are the best choice for this scenario.