American Endangered Animal Collage

We all know we have Endangered Species in our world. When it comes to endangered species, we mostly think about animals from other parts of the world (such as elephants, tigers, rhinos, pandas, etc.). But here, everyone should be aware that we have endangered species in America too. Here are some of these animals that need our help:

1. Polar Bear: It is estimated that 20,000 of these predators live in five nations (America (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Greenland, and Norway) that circle the Arctic. Despite this bear's amazing hunting skills, however, the most significant issue for its survival is the decline of sea ice caused by global warming (aka Climate Change) (although the bears recently resorted to new and unheard things such as hunting dolphins and waiting the summer out in dry land). Status: Vulnerable.

2. Jaguar: This cat once roamed from the Grand Canyon to Argentina. But sadly, by the 20th century, the loss of habitat to development and shooting had largely pushed Jaguars from the United States, and these spotted big cats were one of the first wild cats to be listed under the Endangered Species Act. But new confirmed sightings of jaguars in the United States, coupled with their protection under the Endangered Species Act, led to the formation of the Jaguar Conservation Team. Conservation efforts have centered on education, research, and monitoring to determine the jaguars' need. These and other efforts motivated by the Endangered Species Act will help to ensure that the jaguar remains a part of America's natural heritage (With the spotting about three jaguars entering America recently, including the famous El Jefre, hopefully more jaguars will make a come back to the American southwest). Status: Near Threatened.

3. Grizzly Bear: With fewer than 1,300 of these animals remaining in the lower 48 states, the courts have recently acted to keep the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear protected under the Endangered Species Act. It is already clear that global warming has been affecting conifer forest habitat and a major food source for grizzly bears - White-bark pine nuts. Status: Least Concern.

4. Orca: Also known as the Killer Whale, this whale is one of the most recognizable and beloved whales (although it's actually the largest member of dolphins). But soon, a clan called the Southern Resident Killer Whales might be gone! Native to the Pacific Northwest, their total population is just 80. Ongoing protection under the Endangered Species Act is truly vital to keep the Southern Resident Killer Whales alive and well. Status: Data Deficient (in other words, Unknown).

5. Gray Wolf: This beautiful canine once roamed throughout North America, but by the time the Endangered Species Act became law in 1973, it had been virtually exterminated by shooting, trapping, and poisoning. Since being placed under Endangered Species Act protections, wolf populations had increased... but the recent loosening of protections by stupid and thoughtless members of Congress has already led trophy hunters and ranchers to kill over 1,700 wolves (now that's just a waste of life). And the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had proposed removing all protections for gray wolves across most of the lower 48 states, placing wolves in grave danger. But luckily, thanks to people (including myself) advocating to protect wolves, protections for wolves in some places (including California) still remain to this day (but the battle is not over yet). Status: Least Concern.

6. Southern Sea Otter: This cute aquatic mustelid is known as a keystone species, meaning that this species is vital to maintaining the livelihood balance of other near-shore species and ecosystems. However, there are less than 2,000 still living in their native habitat along California's coast. Listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, actions are being taken to protect them against poachers and oil pollution. Status: Endangered.

7. Canada Lynx: This rare animal was protected under the Endangered Species Act in 2000. Research now shows that changes to the annual snowpack caused by global warming (aka climate change) may already be hurting the ability of the lynx to hunt its primary (and favorite) prey, the snowshoe hare. Status: Least Concern.

8. Hawaiian Monk Seal: This seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the United States. It is estimated that there are 1,500 Hawaiian monk seals in the wild today, with most conservation efforts centered on research, monitoring, and education. Status: Endangered.

9. Whooping Crane: In 1937, only two small breeding populations of these birds remained. But thanks to the protections of the Endangered Species Act, whooping cranes have now increased to about 300 in the wild. However, pothole prairie wetlands, vital habitat for all waterfowl species, are predicted to shrink due to global warming (aka climate change), which could put the birds in jeopardy once again. Status: Endangered.

10. Florida Panther: This rare subspecies of cougar once roamed from Arkansas to the Carolinas and south to the Florida Everglades. Unfortunately, centuries of shooting, los of habitat to agricultural and urban development, and mercury poisoning have pushed the panther into the Southeast's last redoubts of wilderness in southern Florida. Today, it is estimated to be 100-160 panthers remaining in the wild. With Florida one of the fastest-growing states, the conservation measures of the Endangered Species Act are the only thing standing between the Florida panther and extinction. (Fun Fact: The Florida Panther is the state animal of Florida.) Status: Critically Endangered.

11. San Joaquin Kit Fox: With its adorably big ears and long fluffy tail, this fox is about the size of a house cat. Despite their cute appearances, however, these foxes are also one of the most endangered animals in California, with it being estimated to be as few as 7,000 alive today. To safeguard the lives of these last remaining foxes, conservation efforts are being made to protect their native grasslands from urban development. Status: Endangered (though all kit foxes are together considered Least Concern). 

12. Key Deer: The smallest North American deer, this subspecies of White-Tailed Deer is noted for its miniature appearance, with the bucks usually weighing 25–34 kg (55–75 lb) and standing about 76 cm (30 in) tall at the shoulder and the does usually weighing between 20 and 29 kg (44 and 64 lb) and having an average height of 66 cm (26 in) at the shoulders. But that's not the only thing to take note of: recent estimates put the population of Key Deer between 700 and 800, earning it a top spot on the Endangered Species List. Status: Endangered.

These are some of the species we have in America that need our attention and help. Hopefully, with conservation on their side, there is hope and there is hope, there is a way. Also, Happy Endangered Species Day to all of my animal-loving friends!