As the human population has expanded, wildlife has been forced to coexist with people. Humans have created many hazards that wild animals must deal with on a daily basis, such as buildings, cars, roads, power lines, fences, litter, etc. A number of federal laws have been passed over the years in an attempt to protect wildlife from at least some human impacts.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for sale, purchase, or barter, any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird except under the terms of a valid federal permit. The Act was passed in an era when many bird species were threatened by the commercial trade in birds and bird feathers.
The Endangered Species Act provides a program for the conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats in which they are found. The law requires federal agencies to ensure that actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat of such species. The law also prohibits any action that causes a "taking" of any listed species of endangered fish or wildlife. Likewise, import, export, interstate, and foreign commerce of listed species are all generally prohibited.
While these laws help to protect wildlife, there are many simple things you can do right in your own backyard to make a difference and be a hero for wildlife:
Click here to learn more about the Wildlife Warrior Passport Series.