13 Endangered Species That Might Be Living Under Your Roof

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While your home may protect you from the elements, did you know that some endangered critters also call your home their safe haven? You might shoo a spider or flick a beetle off the counter when you see them, but a whole other world of wildlife that lives in your home’s nooks and crannies.

It’s not just a story about pesky pests. Some of the creatures teetering toward extinction have sought refuge in human habitats . Let’s get started with the surprising guests whom you might be sharing your space with.

Bats in the Attic

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

Attics are often home to bats who are attracted by the quiet warm space. The Indiana bat, endangered, could be one of them. These little mammals are big on pest control, eating thousands of insects a night, and saving the U.S agricultural industry over 3 billion yearly, according to the USGS. If you have ever noticed flickers, squawks, or fluttering noises at dusk, there’s a good chance you have a bat colony living upstairs.

Bees in the Walls

The rusty patched bee species are a vital pollinator, but habitat loss has put some species in survival mode. Often, these bees are endangered and they sometimes use wall cavities to build a hive. When you see them buzzing around, it’s proof that life is trying to exist in the midst of human activity. According to the USDA, bees pollination contributes 20-30 billion dollars to the U.S economy yearly. Such economists!

Owls in the Barn

There’s nothing more ghostly than a barn owl with its heartshaped face, and sometimes, they nest in old barns or unused attics. While not always endangered, a few populations, such as those in particular parts of the Midwest, are in decline as a result of habitat loss. If they are in your home, it means they feel safe there.

Swallows Nesting Under Eaves

The mud nests of cliff swallows under the eaves of homes are the result of the architecture of this species. Although not currently endangered, these birds often have trouble with shrinking nesting grounds. Their swift dives and turns will mesmerize you, even if they leave a bit of cleaning to do after them.

Newts in the Basement

A California tiger salamander might just love your basement it is damp and cool. This amphibian likes moist, dark space, and a basement could be the perfect substitute for a natural habitat. When they try to enter your home? Look out after periods of rain.

Snakes in Crawl Spaces

Although it may make your skin crawl, some snakelike creatures, such as the San Francisco Garter Snake, may actually seek shelter under your home. This highly endangered snake is patterned so stunningly and relies on shrinking wetlands. Your crawl space could mimic its natural environment.

Spiders in Quiet Corners

The 12 Most Common House Spiders You Must Watch Out For — Image Credit: gailhampshire/ Wikimedia Commons

The Kaua‘i Cave Wolf Spider is so rare that it’s only found in a few caves on Hawaii, but its cousins may be lurking in dark corners of your home. Despite the fact that most spiders are harmless and do pest control though, they are often an unintentional partnership.

Lizards on Window Sills

Occasionally, the Texas Horned Lizard, a threatened species, wanders into a human dwelling to seek food or shade. These aren’t toads at all, but rather small, quirky little reptiles, that could surprise you on a sunny windowsill.

Birds in Chimneys

Stunning Animals That Redefine Beauty in Nature! — Image Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

Chimney Swifts, true to their name, often nest in vertical structures such as chimneys. Modern construction methods restrict their nesting options, so their numbers have been declining. You may be providing a much needed home to these migratory birds if you hear chirping in your flue.

Bugs in Firewood

Endangered beetles such as the American Burying Beetle can hide in stacked firewood. Though these industrious insects play a part in decomposition, they are critically endangered and mostly threatened by habitat loss and pesticide use.

Frogs in Gardens

Glass Frogs — Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Backyard garden water features could become a haven for endangered frogs like the Sierra Nevada Yellow Legged Frog. The likelihood that you live near wetlands increases your chances of sharing your space with one. Their presence may mean there is a nearby healthy ecosystem.

Cats on Rooftops

Believe it or not, but the Florida Panther, a subspecies of cougar have been known to wander close to suburban areas. Typically you wouldn’t find them “under your roof,” but sightings of these animals near human dwellings serve as a reminder that wildlife’s lives are very much intertwined with ours.

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