11 Wildlife Neighbors You Didn’t Know Are Protected by Law

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When we think about wildlife protections, we think bald eagles, grizzly bears, humpback whales, they’re the kinds of creatures that tend to spring to mind. What about the less obvious members of the animal kingdom? The ones we’re likely to run into in our own backyard, park, or local lake? Many of these often overlooked animals are protected by their own specific laws, which mean they can continue to play their part in our ecosystems.

Some of these animals are so commonplace you’d never imagine they need protection, and others might seem like pests. But their existence is vital to the balance of nature and federal or state laws make a point of this. Let’s shine a light on some of these fascinating creatures and see why legal systems all over the country have given them a helping hand.

Monarch Butterflies

Stunning Animals That Redefine Beauty in Nature! — Image Credit: Rhododendrites/Wikimedia Commons

As a beautiful creature of nature, monarch butterfly is one of the travelers of nature that faces growing threats of its habitat destruction and climate changes. While they aren’t listed under the Endangered Species Act yet, several states provide them protection under the law to protect their migratory patterns. A single monarch can actually travel up to 3,000 miles during its migration. They also need to protect their milkweed habitat because that’s the only thing they breed in.

Bees

Did you know that some species, including the rusty patched bumblebee are federally protected? Its population has plummeted in recent decades, and this tiny pollinator is essential to crops and wildflowers. According to the USDA, bee pollination to U.S. crop production is worth $20 billion a year to the U.S. economy.

Eastern Box Turtles

Photo Credit: Jamie.sue.photography/Shutterstock

If you’ve ever seen a turtle out crossing the road, you may have seen an eastern box turtle. These land dwellers are collected as pets, but their population is declining. Many states, like North Carolina and Maryland, prohibit the capture and sale of this animal. A tip from turtle experts? If you’re see it, let it cross as it is going, in the direction it is trying to go.

Hummingbirds

This tiny little bird is federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They are color brilliant, and spread around with lightning quick wingbeats, and they help pollinate native plants. Fun fact: Did you know that a hummingbird’s heart beats 1240 times a minute!!! They can lay steep fines if you disturb their nests or eggs, so watch them from a distance.

Prairie Dogs

They might be nothing more than burrowing nuisances to some landowners, but prairie dogs are to the Great Plains what bees are to flowers. Their tunnels aerate the soil and many predators such as hawks and black-footed ferrets depend on them for food. Some protect these animals with state regulation to balance ecological health and agricultural needs.

Gopher Tortoises

Photo Credit: Donna Bollenbach/Shutterstock

If you’ve ever found a sandy burrow in the southeastern U.S., you’ve probably been near a gopher tortoise. These slow moving reptiles are a keystone species because their burrows are home to over 350 other animals. In many states, including Florida, it’s against the law to disturb or move them without a permit.

Woodpeckers

Have you heard nature’s percussion? That rhythmic drumming in the woods? It’s not just nature, it’s a woodpecker, working hard. Habitat loss has forced the federal protection of species like the red cockaded woodpecker. These birds help to control pest populations and to provide tree cavities where other animals nest.

Bats

Creatures You Are Legally Forbidden To Remove From Your Home And Garden — Image Credit: Pixabay

In a very real sense, bats are often misunderstood as spooky and sinister but they are vital to pollination and pest control. Some are federally protected, such as the Indiana bat and the gray bat. These nocturnal flyers eat up to 1,000 insects an hour — so forget about lighting the grill this summer. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that their pest control services save U.S. agriculture more than $3 billion annually.

River Otters

River otters, which is playful and charming, were once hunted to the brink of extinction for their pelt fur. Thanks to conservation efforts and hunting restrictions, today they’ve made an amazing comeback. Laws protecting their habitats keep them thriving in many states.

Horseshoe Crabs

Horseshoe crabs look a little like living fossils with their prehistoric appearance. They’re an important part of coastal ecosystems, and their blue blood is used in medical testing. The harvesting of it is regulated in several states in order to prevent over exploitation. Next time you see one lying on the shore, show it some respect — it’s been around for more than 400 million years!

Hellbenders

These snot otters, or rather these giant salamanders, while not very attractive, are very important indicators of water quality. Found across the eastern U.S. streams, hellbenders are sensitive to pollution and habitat changes. The good news is that most states have laws that protect them and the clean waterways they need to survive.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.