The Most Endangered Animal In Every State
The Most Endangered Animal In Every State
With climate change, pesticides and urbanization altering our planet, some species are finding their homes uninhabitable. Endangered animals are part of a sensitive ecosystem and if one disappears, it can change our world forever. There are over 1,300 endangered animals in the United States, and with weakening protections, it's up to us to make sure future generations see the same planet we do.
Alabama
Paint Rock River Mussels - With over 70% of its freshwater population endangered or extinct, mussels are quickly disappearing. The Mussels found on the banks of the Paint Rock River are no exception.
Alaska
Blue Whale - Considered endangered by the IUCN Red List, the blue whale was once found in all of earth's oceans. Today, with only a population of less than 25,000 the blue whale solely exists in eastern North Pacific, Antarctic and Indian Oceans.
Arizona
Kanab Ambersnail - With decreasing natural habitats, this little snail is critically endangered. Only two wild natural populations are known to exist.
Arkansas
Ivory-Billed Woodpecker - Labeled as critically endangered or quite possibly extinct, no natural populations are publicly known. With supposed sightings in Arkansas and Florida, we hope the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker has a home somewhere.
California
Amargosa Vole - A true California native, this adorable Microtus Californicus Scirpensis only lives for one year and is estimated to have an overall population of 67.
Colorado
Uncompahgre Fritillary Butterfly - The latest new butterfly to be discovered, threats to this species include small population size, shifting climate conditions and human interaction.
Connecticut
North American Least Shrew - This small rodent is mostly blind and deaf. Urbanization in Connecticut is causing populations to decrease quickly.
Delaware
Piping Plover - Known for its bell-like whistles, this tiny bird can be found on Delaware shores. Another victim of human interaction, the plover's nests are often destroyed by beachgoers.
Florida
Florida Panther - Habitat fragmentation in South Florida is one of the main threats to the Puma concolor couguar. With only an estimated population of 130, this majestic species is critically endangered and almost near extinction.
Georgia
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle - Another critically endangered animal, the Ridley Sea Turtle was first discovered in Key West. Eventually making its way to the beaches of Georgia, the population continues to decrease because of pollution and habitat loss.
Hawaii
Hawaiian Crow - Classified as "extinct in the wild" the Hawaiian Crow only exists on conservation lands. Reintroduction programs are currently underway to help its dwindling population.
Idaho
Whooping Crane - This original whooper only has a population of 800 and multiple reintroduction efforts are now underway. Natural predators and human hunting have almost driven it to extinction in the last hundred years.
Illinois
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee - By now we should know why bees are important to agriculture and why agriculture is important to us. This buzzy little fellow's numbers have decreased by 87% recently.
Indiana
Indiana Bat - Native to North America and found in many states, the Indiana Bat has had a 57% population drop in the last 50 years. Who's to blame? Human disturbance and natural predators during its hibernation period.
Iowa
Pallid Sturgeon - This is one species that cannot continue existing without our help. The Pallid Sturgeon is at risk of extinction. Known for living as long as a century, it would be shame to see them go.
Kansas
American Burying Beetle - Known for living in more than 25 states, the beetle now only lives in five. Its main source of nutrition is the Silphidae which we've almost driven out.
Kentucky
Gray Bat - Climate changes and hibernation interruptions are causing this once well-populated animal to dip in numbers.
Louisiana
Leatherback Sea Turtle - This sea turtle faces many dangers from the moment it hatches, from natural predators to human exploitation. In some places, the turtle is virtually extinct because it is hunted for its supposed dietary benefits.
Maine
New England Cottontail - Who wants to see this fuzzy, adorable creature gone? This critter once had a strong presence in New England, but its population dropped because of lost natural habitat.
Maryland
Puritan Tiger Beetle - Native to Maryland, its last populations live near sandy beaches which are constantly disturbed by patrons. You can help save the beetle by being more conscious on your next trip.
Massachusetts
Hawksbill Sea Turtle - Remember Crush from Finding Nemo? Habitat loss and human interactions have decreased its numbers by 80% in recent generations.
Michigan
Moose - Climate change and human interactions have stifled the moose population to just below 500 in the state. Recent wolf settlements have kept it's numbers from growing as well.
Minnesota
Karner Blue - Only found in the Oak Savanna ecosystem, the Karner Blue butterfly suffers as its home becomes smaller and smaller. Restoration efforts are underway.
Mississippi
Mississippi Gopher Frog - Currently only located in Mississippi, the Gopher Frog once existed past Louisiana and Alabama. Due to habitat fragmentation and destruction, only 100 exist today.
Missouri
Eastern Spotted Skunk - Once commonly found in the Ozark Highlands, its decline can be attributed to loss of habitat by farming practices and expansion.
Montana
Black-Footed Ferret - Initially introduced to north-central Montana as a recovery effort, this adorable fellow has almost been wiped out by plague. Advanced conservation efforts have been put forth.
Nebraska
Salt Creek Tiger Beetle - Only less than 200 of these leggy beauties exist in the states with its majority in the saline wetlands of northern Lancaster County.
Nevada
Devils Hole Pupfish - Located in the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, the Pupfish's population has been at a steady 115 in the last few years with numerous restoration efforts underway.
New Hampshire
Northern Long-Eared Bat - White-nose syndrome has driven the Northern Long-Eared Bat population down by almost 99% since 2015.
New Jersey
Red Knot - Known for having the longest distance migrations, the Red Knot is currently losing its New Jersey home due to sea-level rise and coastal urbanization.
New Mexico
Greater Long-Nosed Bat - Hailing from Mexico and listed as endangered in New Mexico, this bat species is experiencing habitat loss and nesting disturbances.
New York
Eskimo Curlew - Existing only in rumor without actually being seen in the wild, the Eskimo Curlew may already be extinct. Listed as endangered and rare, this could be one bird we won't see again.
North Carolina
Red Wolf - With only 18 wolves existing, this species is near extinction. Currently in the Albemarle Peninsula of eastern North Carolina, the chances of this species surviving are slim.
North Dakota
Least Tern - Located near the salt flats of lakes along the Missouri River System, the Least Tern's decline is the result of habitat loss and disruption.
Ohio
Lake Erie Water Snake - Recovery efforts were put in place after this species was put on the endangered list in 1999 and it worked! As of 2011 its population is steadily rising.
Oklahoma
Red-Cockaded Woodpecker - Due to loss of habitat and environmental factors, the woodpecker only has a nation-wide population of 5,627 with its majority in Oklahoma.
Oregon
Columbian White Tailed Deer - Named after the Columbia River, the White Tailed Deer can be found in Clatsop and Columbia counties. Loss of habitat is forcing the species decline.
Pennsylvania
Bog Turtle - Changes in its habitat have forced its population to decline by 80%. The Bog Turtle is now so rare that it is considered a collectable item and involved in illegal trading.
Rhode Island
North Atlantic Right Whale - Projected to go extinct in 20 years, the Right Whale's population decline is mainly due to fishing gear entanglement.
South Carolina
Frosted Flatwoods Salamander - Resident to upper Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and South Carolina, the Flatwoods Salamander is in danger because of habitat loss.
South Dakota
Black-Footed Ferret - This ferret is native to the Great Plains area and has had multiple restoration efforts to bring back its population. Hopefully these efforts pay off and rebound the ferrets numbers.
Tennessee
Nashville Crayfish - This crayfish is exclusive to Davidson and Williamson Counties and has been on the IUCN Red List since 1986. Multiple conservation efforts, like the one at the Nashville Zoo, exist.
Texas
Attwater's Prairie Chicken - Due to hurricanes and other habitat changes, the population has jumped up and down with a recent number settling around 200.
Utah
Least Chub - You can find the Least Chub in the Great Salt Lake, Utah Lake and Sevier Lake areas. Numbers have declined in recent years due to habitat degradation.
Vermont
Eastern Cougar - Also existing in rumor and supposed sightings, the Eastern Cougar was labeled extinct in the 1930's. This hasn't stopped locals from reporting sightings about 50 times a year.
Virginia
Virginia Fringed Mountain Snail - This snail is native to New River in Pulaski County and so rare that only 27 live snails have been documented.
Washington
Taylor's Checkerspot Butterfly - Urbanization has reduced its habitat by 99%. Reintroduction efforts have been successful, but the butterfly is still on the endangered list.
West Virginia
Virginia Big-Eared Bat - Most of the 20,000 population can be found in eastern West Virginia and a 77% population increase was recently reported.
Wisconsin
Poweshiek Skipperling - Relocation efforts are now underway to release captured Skipperlings to areas such as the Wet-mesic Prairie. The population numbers of this species are so low, it is now considered "Critically Imperiled."
Wyoming
Wyoming Toad - This frog prince is now extinct in the wild with its only population living in captivity. Native to the state, there are about 1,500 toads living today.
From Alabama to Wyoming, here's a comprehensive list of the most endangered species in each state.