6 Iowa Animals On The Verge Of Extinction

There are lots of animals that are threatened around the world. Animals ' numbers have dropped or plummeted in more recent years. In 1973, The Endangered Species Act was passed in an attempt to protect these creatures.

As you might imagine, any animal that is on the list of endangered cannot be hunted or trapped and must be left alone by humans.

Several endangered animals call Iowa home.

6 Animals in Iowa That Could Go Extinct

We all know the symbol of America, the Bald Eagle is protected and was once endangered, its numbers have roared back and you'll find a large number of them calling Iowa home.

Get our free mobile app

Unfortunately, a fellow large bird remains on the endangered and protected list in Iowa according to the Iowa DNR.

Red-shouldered Hawk

The Red-shouldered Hawk has actually, much like the Bald Eagle, seen its number grow in more recent years. Despite that, it remains threatened and is protected in Iowa. For years, the creature was susceptible to various chemicals used by humans, like DDT, a pesticide that is not outlawed in the U.S.

Indiana Bat

Another winged animal to make the list is the Indiana Bat. Originally listed as engaged in 1967, the Indiana Bat has fallen victim to the use of chemicals and human disturbances. The critters are tiny, weighing only about the equivalent of three pennies.

Spotted Skunk

When you hear "skunk," you think stink, most likely. While skunks certainly can stink up a joint when they feel threatened, you are unlikely to experience that effect from a spotted one because they are threatened

The Spotted Skunk populous has declined over the past 30 years. One unique trait: These little creatures can do a handstand! However cool, they do this when they feel threatened so if you do ever see one... watch out! A handstand means they aren't happy to see you!

Barn Owl

Barn Owls are endangered in Iowa. What's unique about these creatures, they don't make stretching sounds like other owls, they communicate through hisses and shrieks.

You can you hear an example of this below:

Barn Owls often live in abandoned barns and church towers.

Long-eared Owl

Another owl makes the list, the Long-eared Owl. They live in forests, many of which have been destroyed in Iowa, and are also susceptible to pesticides, contributing to a decline in population.

Ornate Box Turtle

Iowans may not think of turtles as something you'll often see in Iowa, but with water and swampy grounds come turtles. One is the Ornate Box Turtle, which is threatened in the state.

Unlike many turtles, these creatures don't spend much time in the water. They live in sandy grasslands. Oh, and it is illegal to keep one as a pet. Even though they have unique red eyes and amazing shells, you have to leave them alone.

There are many more animals in Iowa that are endangered. You can see that list here.

From threatened and endangered to... super common. Here are birds you see daily in Iowa.