Wildlife biologist Michael Birt is founder and president of ResearchWild!, a wildlife conservation project, and owner of Michael the Wildlife Detective LLC, which specializes in humane removal of wildlife from homes and businesses in the New Orleans area. With a passion for wildlife conservation, he has spent time studying land, wildlife, and marine management in Australia, Fiji, Botswana, and South Africa. He has worked as a zookeeper at the Fort Worth Zoo and as an animal care specialist at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, recognized for its endangered species breeding program, and Audubon Nature Institute. Michael and his wife reside in Marrero, Louisiana.

Illustrator Emilie Pitre was raised along Bayou Lafourche and graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in studio and digital art. A digital analyst and graphic artist, she also illustrates character commissions and family and pet portraits. She lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.