Dr. David S. Maehr, 52, Professor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Kentucky, Department of Forestry, died tragically in a single-engine plane accident in Lake Placid, Florida on Friday, June 20 while monitoring radio-collared black bears in the area. The research was part of a multi-year project that focused on black bear ecology and conservation in Highlands County, Florida.
A gifted naturalist, David’s numerous contributions to the wildlife profession and conservation community have been widely recognized at the international, national, and local levels. He earned 3 degrees in wildlife studies including a B.S. from The Ohio State University (1977), and both his M.S. (1980) and Ph.D. (1996) from the University of Florida. From 1980-1985, he worked as a biological scientist for the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission where he conducted statewide research on black bear, river otter, and bobcat. From 1985-1994 he directed pioneering field studies on the endangered Florida panther and other large mammals for the same wildlife agency, then worked briefly as a consultant in Naples, Florida. David began his tenure at UK in 1997 where his research focused on biodiversity and conservation-related issues, particularly large mammal ecology and conservation projects that included Kentucky elk restoration and the black bear in southeastern Kentucky, Florida, and Mexico. During his far-ranging travels within the U.S. and abroad, David influenced many young scientists and colleagues through his tireless dedication and commitment to wildlife conservation. While at UK, David mentored dozens of interns, undergraduates, and graduate students, taught hundreds of students, served on numerous committees. David prolifically authored over 100 scientific articles on a wide-range of wildlife subjects and conservation topics. A certified wildlife biologist for 25 years, his devotion and service to the wildlife and conservation profession was also reflected in having peer-reviewed hundreds of books and journal articles, and involvement on numerous panels and discussion groups ranging from species recovery to certification of his fellow professionals. David was an award-winning author of 3 books, including Florida’s Birds, The Florida Panther: Life and Death of a Vanishing Carnivore, and Large Mammal Restoration: Ecological and Sociological Challenges in the 21st Century. David was also a talented artist whose illustrations and drawings have appeared in over a dozen books and articles. He was the resident artist at the Cincinnati Zoo from 1974-77. He recently received the distinguished honor of being named a Research Associate at Archbold Research Station in Venus, Florida.
Always generous and giving of his time, energy, and devotion, David’s professional legacy will live on through the over two dozen graduate students he mentored at UK, most of whom are now successfully employed throughout the country. He will be greatly missed.
David is survived by his wife, Diane, 2 children, Erin and Clifton, parents Robert B. and Carol Maehr, 2 brothers, Robert Brandt and Ted H. Maehr, and one sister, Jennifer C. Maehr.
To view the University of Kentucky - School of Forestry Memorial page for Dave, click here>>>
Per the family’s request, In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dave Maehr Memorial Fund. The donations will be used to continue supporting the work in wildlife conservation and management to which Dave dedicated his professional life.
Checks can be made out to the University of Kentucky, and sent to:
Dave Maehr Memorial Fund
University of Kentucky Office for Advancement
College of Agriculture
E.S. Good Barn
1451 University Drive
Lexington, KY 40546-0097