Endangered Species Program
Frequently Asked Questions

Please Note: Our Web site has lots of information about the Endangered Species Act and what we do to protect species, but it does not have a lot of general information about what species eat, how long they live, etc. For that information, you may want to use a general Web search site such as Google, Yahoo, and alltheweb, among others. Of course, we don't guarantee the quality of information you may find on other Web sites.


Technical difficulties

Questions about species

Everything else...

Links to other programs


Technical difficulties

PDF problems

If you are using an older version of Adobe Acrobat (or Acrobat Reader), you may encounter difficulties with some of our pdf documents (such as species recovery plans and older Federal Register notices). If so, be sure you update your copy of Acrobat Reader. The most recent versions can be downloaded free from Adobe, Inc.

If you would like to receive a paper copy of a recovery plan, copies of USFWS reports and recovery plans can also be obtained from our regional offices.

Species report page problems

Species reports and other statistics, as well as species-related Federal Register notices, are housed in a different place from most of our web site. Sometimes you may experience slow or difficult access to those portions due to heavy site traffic. Access is generally better during the early morning or evening hours.

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Questions about species

What do I do about nuisance or injured wildlife on my property?

Most wildlife (deer, raccoon, snakes, etc.) issues on private property, from sick skunks to pilfering possum, are best handled by your state wildlife agency.

Issues regarding domesticated animals are handled by your local animal control office or local animal shelter (try the blue pages in your local phone book).

Injured or orphaned migratory birds (including songbirds) are under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Wildlife Service, as are all federally-listed species. Your local field office can put you in touch with a bird rehabilitator in your area or address law enforcement issues.

How do I report a bird with a band?

How can I find information on a particular species?

    Search TESS (our Threatened and Endangered Species System Online Database) for regulatory profiles of federally protected species, also links to other species information.

    Fact sheets on a few species are also available.

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has information on species under their jurisdiction, including sea turtles and marine mammals.

    Zoos and aquariums of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association work to save species and are a great information resource.

    Go to our Species Information page for statistics, numbers and names of endangered and threatened species, or candidate and proposed species, nationally and by state.

How can I get a copy of the Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants List?

What were the first species to be listed? (Federal Register, VOL. 32, No. 48)

Where can I find a list of species that have been delisted (removed from the Endangered Species list)?

Where can I find information on recovery plans?

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Everything else...

How can I obtain copyright-free photographs or drawings?

How can I get USFWS publications?

A list of Endangered Species Program publications is available on our Web site for viewing or printing. If you would like to receive a paper copy of a recovery plan, copies of USFWS reports and recovery plans can also be obtained from our regional offices.

Where can I obtain information on the Endangered Species Act?

Where can I find out about other wildlife laws?

How can I obtain information about C.I.T.E.S, foreign species,or importing and exporting animals?

Where can I report suspected illegal activities concerning endangered species?

Where can I obtain information on hunting and fishing?

How can I get help near me?

I would like to know about careers or volunteer work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or the U. S. Government.

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Other FWS Programs

Last updated: August 8, 2008