People need to learn that their property contains protected wildlife which exists under various federal and state and local protection laws. Homeowners face restrictions which prevent them from harming or moving or disturbing certain animal species throughout their nesting and breeding periods. The regulations differ between locations but they generally provide protection to indigenous animal species. Here are fifteen surprising animals that typically fall under legal safeguards.
Bald eagle
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act protects bald eagles which people cannot disturb near their active nests. The law punishes anyone who removes or interferes with these animals because they face severe consequences.
Osprey
Migratory bird laws protect Ospreys and their nests from harm. The law requires permits for any nest removal even if the nest exists on utility poles or private property.
Barn owl
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects barn owls from human interference. People need to obtain special permission before they can disturb nests or harm the birds.
Gopher tortoise
Gopher tortoises receive legal protection in multiple states across the southeast region. The regulations for relocation control their burrows because they serve as essential habitats for other animal species.
Indiana bat
This species receives complete federal protection because it exists on the federal list of threatened species. People need to contact wildlife authorities when they plan to disturb roosting locations which include buildings.
Wood duck
Wood ducks and their nests receive legal protection because they exist as migratory birds throughout most of North America.
Sea turtle
Homeowners face legal restrictions which prevent them from disturbing nesting sites or hatchlings when nesting happens in their beachfront areas.
Red-tailed hawk
Hawks fall under federal bird protection laws. Active nests receive legal protection because their owners built them on private property.
Burrowing owl
Certain areas have established protections for burrowing owls because their habitats need protection. Regulations exist to control activities that disrupt their nesting areas.
Alligator
Licensed wildlife officers in states such as Florida need to conduct alligator removal operations. People must not relocate alligators without proper authorization.
River otter
State wildlife laws provide protection for otters which require wildlife management to remove them from protected areas.
Great horned owl
The great horned owl, also known as the tiger owl or the hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. Great horned owls remain protected as a bird of prey which requires permits to disturb their nesting activities.
