Victor Blanchard Scheffer (born November 27, 1906) is a prominent American mammologist and the author of eleven books relating to naturalism. He was born in Manhattan, Kansas and moved to Washington state at a young age.

Early years and education

Scheffer received his bachelor of science in 1930, his master of science in 1932, and his doctorate in zoology in 1936 at the University of Washington in Seattle. In 1937, he began his tenure as a biologist for the United States Bureau of Biological Survey, and remained there for three years. From 1940 to 1956, Scheffer worked for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Later years

Scheffer's first book, Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses, was published in 1959, shortly after he joined the United States Bureau of Fisheries. While at the Bureau of Fisheries, Scheffer became a lecturer for the Ecology Department at the University of Washington from 1966 to 1972 and was named chairman of the initial United States Marine Mammal Commission from 1973-1976.

In November 2006 Scheffer celebrated his 100th birthday and, to date, has written eleven books, many of which are highly regarded by zoologists. Scheffer's father Theophilus (also a biologist) lived be nearly 100 years old, dying in 1966 at age 99.

External links and references

• An article mentioning his 100th birthday with a picture
• Guide to the Victor B. Scheffer Photograph Collection 1918-1976