15 Animals in the U.S. That Can Vanish Any Minute
The United States is home to some of the most beautiful animals, and while we’re trying our best to protect them, some aren’t so lucky. Numerous animal species are endangered or threatened with extinction; some are so few we might not even see them in the next few years. Here are 15 animals you might not know are close to going extinct any minute:
California Condor
The largest North American land bird, the California Condor, has been critically endangered for several years, including as recently as 2021. In the 1980s, just 22 condors remained due to habitat loss, accidents, and lead poisoning, but efforts brought the number up to a few hundred. However, 561 remained in 2022, but 2023 saw just 558, proving that the species still faces danger despite multiple efforts to protect it.
Hawaiian Monk Seal
The Hawaiian Monk Seal is so endangered that the Hawaiian government has declared it a Class C felony to disturb it and imposed a fine of up to $50,000 with five years imprisonment if disturbed. Only about 1570 monk seals are left, which puts it at risk of poachers since the species is endemic to Hawaii. It is also facing a dangerous decline due to habitat destruction.
Red Wolf
Slightly larger than a coyote but smaller than the common gray wolf, the red wolf is critically endangered and has less than 20 remaining in North Carolina. Since the red wolf is found only in parts of the southeastern United States, there have been multiple efforts to protect the species. However, it has been a victim of poachers, who continue to hunt out the species despite it being illegal. Habitat loss has also contributed to its endangerment.
Whooping Crane
The Whooping Crane is an endangered species native to North America. It is known for its black-tipped white wings but gets its name from its call, which makes whooping sounds. The whooping crane is the tallest bird in North America, adding to the concerns of scientists and conservationists. Its population declined dramatically at one point, but conservation attempts have brought it up to 500. However, the crane is the rarest in the world and remains endangered.
Vaquita
The rarest species of porpoise in the world, the Vaquita is the world’s smallest and most endangered mammal. It is exclusively found near the northern edge of the Gulf of California in Baja California, Mexico, with a population that doesn’t even reach the fifties. Although about 10 vaquitas are believed to be remaining, this is just a guess on scientists’ part; the species may have fewer than 10 remaining.
Island Fox
Hiding behind the trees across six of the eight Channel Islands of California, the Island Fox is found nowhere else in the world. This makes it attractive to poachers, who have been a significant reason behind the population’s decline. The Island Fox is also one of the most preferred prey by the Golden Eagle, another strong factor behind its rapid mortality. Although the population fluctuates, it is estimated to be close to 1500 on the larger islands, so the IUCN lists it as Near Threatened.
Kemp’s Ridley
With a pointed beak, Kemp’s Ridley, or the Atlantic Ridley sea turtle, is the most endangered species of turtle in the world. It is also the smallest, so it’s quite susceptible to predators and even human intrusion. Despite countless efforts to preserve the species, Kemp’s Ridley is Critically Endangered. It is usually found in the Gulf of Mexico, although a few have been spotted throughout the Atlantic. Today, about 7000-9000 remain.
Aplomado Falcon
Known for its remarkable orange and black plumage, the Aplomado falcon is found in multiple parts of the world, with about 200,000 species worldwide. However, the species specific to the U.S. had less than 100 at one point, quickly alerting the IUCN. Luckily, multiple efforts to rehabilitate the species have boosted it up to 1500 or more, but it is still vulnerable to dramatic changes in habitat, competition, and predation.
Grey Bat
Found only in North America, the grey bat is a microbat species that was once found in countless caves in the U.S. However, human interference due to increased rates of spelunking disrupted the species since it is extremely sensitive to disturbance during hibernation, leading to subsequent population decline. Grey bats are deemed vulnerable, and although they number in the millions, they face extinction if conservation efforts don’t work.
Black-footed ferret
The American polecat or black-footed ferret is native to central North America, relying on many shortgrass prairies to survive. Plowing these prairies for crops led to a mass habitat loss, causing the loss of these species, with only 400-500 remaining in the wild. Although it has been listed as endangered since 2015, biologists are increasingly worried because there were so few at a time that they were even believed to be extinct.
Oregon Spotted Frog
This adorable amphibian is endemic to the Pacific Northwest and usually scattered throughout the Cascade Mountains in Washington and Oregon. However, the Oregon Spotted Frog is rapidly disappearing due to an invasive number of species, habitats, and diseases. A recent assessment by the IUCN declared it vulnerable, so it’s coming closer to an end. Only a few hundred species are estimated to remain, with 20 populations entirely dependent on Oregon’s habitat protection.
Western Steller Sea Lion
Often confused with the more common California sea lions, Western Steller sea lions are larger and lighter in color. The species is the largest sea lion in the world, and this alone makes it susceptible to illegal poaching. However, sea lions have been threatened since 2015, and the species is still in the thousands. Still, careful evaluations reveal a rapid decline, with only 45000 remaining when last checked in 2000.
Dusky Gopher Frog
Often known as the Mississippi Gopher Frog, the Dark or Dusky Gopher Frog is only found in the Southern United States, and sightings have decreased over the years. The frogs face extinction for a variety of reasons, but habitat loss and alteration to natural landscapes are believed to be the main causes. In 2021, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species listed the dusky gopher frog as critically endangered.
Rice’s Whale
For numerous decades, Rice’s whale flew under our radars because we didn’t even know it existed. It was only spotted in the 1960s and was recognized as a separate species in 2021. Its infrequent appearances aren’t a coincidence; Rice’s whale is one of the most critically endangered in the world and is quickly approaching extinction. Currently, only 51 whales from the species are confirmed to be living. Biologists believe the species is losing the fight against survival because of human intervention and factors like underwater acoustic distribution.
Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep
The Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep is renowned for its curled horns and is endemic to the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. In 2023, its population dropped to only in the 300s, with most losing their life to mountain lion predation and diseases specific to sheep. The Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep was the first species listed in the Endangered Species Act. While efforts to rehabilitate them have increased, we may see the species diminish completely.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.