These Are America’s Most Endangered Animals

When you think of endangered species, elephants, tigers, and rhinos might come to mind.

While there are hundreds of species around the world that are threatened with extinction and deserve our attention, there are many animals in our own backyard with dwindling populations.

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There are more than 1,300 threatened and endangered species in the country today, but here are some of the most endangered animals in the U.S.

1. Florida Panther

The Florida panther has been listed as an endangered species since 1967 and now lives in just 5% of its former range.

This panther used to roam much of the southeastern U.S. but is now only found in southern Florida. There are only about 100 to 200 panthers left.

2. Florida Manatee

Another Florida-based species, the Florida manatee is found off the coasts of Florida and has been listed as endangered since 1973.

Boat strikes are a top threat to manatees, but climate change has caused caused problems for these gentle “sea cows.” Water temperature fluctuations put stress on the species.

3. Red Wolf

There are only about 15 to 17 red wolves left in the wild in the U.S. In 1987, they were considered extinct, but a captive breeding program revived the species.

Conservation efforts brought the population to over 100 animals around 2012, but by 2018, it dropped to 40 and now sits at less than two dozen.

4. California Condor

California condors are the largest bird in North America. In the 1980s, California condors nearly went extinct due to poisoning from lead and consuming DDT, a pesticide that was banned in 1972.

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