Getting to Know the Threatened and Endangered Animals of Alabama
Most people would be surprised to learn the long list of species that are on their way to becoming extinct worldwide. And we have our fair share here in the biodiverse state of Alabama. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists 128 endangered or threatened species in Alabama alone. One hundred five of those are animals, and 23 are plants.
Many of the endangered or threatened species of Alabama are aquatic or water-dependent. However, for our purposes here today, we will focus on the mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and bird species that need special attention so we do not lose them forever.
Animals of Alabama on the Endangered List
Human population growth and habitat destruction is the main reason for the decline in the populations of animals in Alabama. And if you want to know why Alabama has rather an extensive list of endangered and threatened species, it is simple. You see, there is a large and diverse number of species in Alabama.
In fact, with Hawaii and California leading the pack, Alabama has the third-largest list of endangered or threatened species. Diversity in Alabama is primarily attributed to the aquatic species in the immense number of rivers and streams in the foothills as well as the land animals.
Mammals
Habitat destruction is the number one reason for various declining mammals in Alabama. Eight mammals in Alabama require the utmost care and safe treatment due to their endangered status. These mammals are listed below.
- Gray Bat
- Indiana Bat
- Alabama Beach Mouse
- Perdido Beach Mouse
- Gray wolf
- Florida Panther
- Finback Whale
- Humpback Whale
Reptiles
Most of the reptiles listed as endangered or threatened are turtles. The flattened musk turtle, Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, and the gopher tortoise are all threatened. But the endangered species of turtles include the green sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle, and the hawksbill sea turtle. That said, collecting information on these aquatic reptiles proved challenging unless they come ashore to lay their eggs.
The American alligator was once endangered but has recovered its population due to federal protection.
Amphibians
The Red Hills salamander is thought to still exist in Alabama and is located only in the Red Hills district. It is the official state amphibian, which is a pretty good reason to make folks in the district aware of the threat.
Birds
The wood stork is one of the birds that is endangered. And the piping plover is threatened. Both birds have seasonal populations in Alabama. Of course, the bald eagle is listed as threatened in Alabama because of its nationwide exposure to environmental and human disturbance.
Already Extinct Animals of Alabama
Unfortunately, some species are on lists for removal from the endangered list due to extinction in Alabama. Those species include the following:
- Southern acorn shell
- Stirrup shell
- Tubercled-blossom pearly mussel
- Turgid-blossom pearly mussel
- Upland comb shell
- And yellow-blossom pearly mussel
In other words, it appears that all freshwater mussels are being lost forever. Not to mention, over 70 freshwater snails have already become extinct. And that is a real shame.
Why Is It Important?
Runoff, dams, and climate change are affecting the wildlife in Alabama to a frightening degree. Contaminated and restructured waterways continue to impact the biodiversity of our state negatively. And climate change is amplifying all of the symptoms leading to the endangerment of our precious animal kingdom.
Anyone interested in the subject of extinction should know that preventative measures and awareness can help. Two of such success stories are the Canadian Geese and the American Alligator. Clearly, we hope that no critter is ever on the list, and all receive respect for their place in the circle of life.
What Can Be Done?
Sadly, it is too late for many animals of Alabama. However, there are ways we can help keep those species around that are currently declining. Here are some of the suggestions people wanting to care for these precious species are advertising.
- First, become aware and involved.
- Education is a massive part of the effort to battle extinction.
- Policy creation and activism are critical in keeping all our species around for good.
That said, policies for dam inspection, a state water plan, and water conservation mandates are all a part of the necessary changes that need to begin with our representatives.
Know What Critter is Invading Your Alabama Home
Live animals can do a significant amount of damage in no time, whether they are endangered or not. They are resourceful creatures who will use anything they find to make your home suitable for the nest. But how do you know which one you are facing? Here are some basic signs for some of the more common wildlife entering homes in Alabama.
- Raccoons will sound heavy and leave larger footprints. They also defecate in a pile.
- Squirrels are chatty and quick. You may hear them in the day, and they love to jump from place to place.
- Rats leave grease marks along the walls, and you can often see the trail markings in the attic dust. Their droppings are scattered and larger than that of a mouse.
- Mice are, of course, smaller than rats and will leave similar but smaller marks. They, too, leave grease rubs along walls and the entry point. And mice chew on wood and walls, so look for tiny chew marks.
- Bats will leave a pile of bat guano.
Once you know what animal you are facing, you can determine if they are on the list of threatened or endangered species and learn how to get rid of the pest. An excellent way to learn the regulations for animal removal in your area would be to call the local wildlife agency or state extension service. They will know just which animals need to be dealt with professionally and which species may be on the protected lists.
Covenant Wildlife Removal Helps the Animals of Alabama
At Covenant Wildlife Removal, we believe in the safe and humane removal of all critters whenever possible. You can trust our teams to be educated on the endangered animals in Alabama. In addition, our team knows how to handle the animals we remove safely and where to take them afterward.
Obviously, the best way to get rid of unwanted guests is not to invite them in. We mean that the homeowners should have our team identify entry points before critters move into your home.
When you call Covenant Wildlife Removal, our team will examine your home and property, inform you of pest attractors around the house, and eliminate points of entry. That is the most humane way to deal with a pest invasion.
If you get a curious pest in the attic, shed, basement, or home, a professional company like Covenant Wildlife Removal has the tools and experience to get the job done. We always aim for humane removal, and we identify all threatened and endangered animal species before ever attempting to move them. You can count on the expert handling of all critters and creatures when you call Covenant Wildlife.
So, make your appointment today for a complete examination of your property and home with Covenant Wildlife Removal. Then you’ll never need to have a critter removed in the first place.
