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

• A. Head covers
• B. Gloves
• C. Sunglasses
• D. Ear plugs

Answer: (B)

Protecting hands is essential because they are the most exposed when handling wildlife, coming into contact with animals, cages, nets, and contaminated materials. Gloves provide the primary barrier, reducing the risk of bites, scratches, and transmission of pathogens or parasites from wildlife to the handler and vice versa. Using the right gloves—such as disposable nitrile or latex, or sturdy work gloves—helps prevent skin injuries and cross-contamination, and they should be changed between animals and properly removed to avoid touching the face with contaminated hands. While head coverings, sunglasses, or ear protection might be used in specific tasks, they do not address the main exposure risk encountered during wildlife handling, which is contact with substances and pathogens on the hands.