Extinction: we often hear of animals all over the world that are becoming closer to extinction. But, did you know that there are several species that live in our backyards that are considered endangered? As of right now, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has a list of twenty-two species that are considered endangered in PA. Here I’ll be highlighting some of the endangered species that live right here in PA and what we can do to help them.

Indiana Bat

The current status of the Indiana Bat in PA is endangered, and it is protected under the state. The Indiana Bat has been listed as an endangered species nationally since 1967. There are only eighteen known hibernation sites for the Indiana Bat in PA. Every one of these sites are either limestone caves or abandoned mines. Some recent surveys estimate that only about 1,000 Indiana Bats hibernate in PA. There are a couple reasons for the low number of these bats in Pennsylvania. The main reason is that humans have disturbed hibernation sites during the winter. This causes the bats to wake up and waste their energy and burn up fat. Highways and roads have caused the loss of natural habitat around the bats' hibernation sites. This means the bats have to travel longer distances to forests to forage and roost. Indiana Bats are also catching White Nose Syndrome, which is rapidly causing death to many cave bats in the United States.

Piping Plover

The Piping Plover is a species of bird that hasn’t been seen nesting in Pennsylvania since the 1950’s. But in 2017, a pair of Piping Plovers was spotted at the Gull Point Natural Area in Erie County. This nesting in 2017 was the first time Piping Plovers have nested on every Great Lake since the 1950’s. Piping Plovers are one of the most closely managed endangered species. This is because they have small breeding populations and are very likely to be disturbed while nesting. Piping Plovers nest on beaches near the Great Lakes. Many people like to visit these beaches, causing much disturbance when the birds are nesting. Nests can easily be tampered with, usually causing the mother to abandon the chicks or the nest to be destroyed completely.

Sedge Wren

The Sedge Wren is a small bird that is often very nomadic, which makes it difficult to study them. The species is endangered and protected in PA and is a species of concern in the Northeast United States. It has been a threatened species since 1985, but was listed as endangered in 2005. The Sedge Wren isn’t known to inhabit a particular area in PA; it’s home changes multiple times throughout the breeding season. Sedge Wrens are now rare in Pennsylvania, but they used to be found in places all across PA. The reasons for the loss in numbers is loss of habitat and the changes we have made in agriculture.

Short-Eared Owl

The Short-Eared Owl gets its name from the small tufts of feathers on its head. This owl is endangered in PA and is a species of concern at the federal level. Short-Eared Owls often live in places like reclaimed strip mines, open, grassy fields, and large meadows. They are most likely to be encountered in the winter flying over a field while searching for field mice. Their numbers have been declining due to human development and the loss of agricultural fields. There is also a limited number of places in Pennsylvania that would be suitable for their overall lifestyle. The farmland that is available for them to live in is often disturbed by a variety of things, mostly being humans.

Least Shrew

The Least Shrew is a small insectivore that is active year-round. This shrew is endangered in PA and has no protection nationally since its numbers are better in other places in the world. The Least Shrew was thought to be in places in abundance all around PA. But recent surveys have shown that this is not the case and it is now mostly found in southeastern counties. Agriculture has changed and been replaced by new methods, resulting in the loss of fields where shrews commonly live. The Least Shrew has also been impacted by human development and forest regeneration. It’s important to keep the Least Shrew population healthy as their main diet is insects. This helps to protect crops from harmful insects. They also burrow a lot underground. This actually helps transport nutrients in the soil, which is very beneficial for farmers.

How You Can Help

There are many things we can do to help the endangered wildlife in our area. Simply learning about these species and giving them more attention is such an important thing that anyone can do. There are also things you can do in the environment that helps these animals as well. Waiting until July to cut and bale hay will actually help with the survival of many species that live in fields and grasslands. To control bugs and insects on your property, you should be using integrated pest management. It’s much safer for the environment and the animals that live here. Of course, if there is an animal in the wild, don’t get too close. Human disturbance is not good for any animal and is a major cause for the decline of some species. Littering is also another form of human disturbance that impacts many animals. Cleaning up after yourself and others can have a huge effect on the local wildlife and environment. You can also make donations to the Pennsylvania Game Commission by purchasing a hunting license or shopping at The Outdoor Shop. Some of this money goes towards the conservation of various local species and the environment. Doing any of these things is greatly appreciated by everyone, especially the animals! You’ll be glad you did something to help our amazing local wildlife!