Endangered Animals in Indiana: Species, Laws, and What You Need to Know

Indiana may not be the largest state in the country, but the wildlife it supports is remarkably diverse — and increasingly at risk. From bats hiding in cave systems to freshwater mussels clinging to riverbed gravel, some of the Hoosier State’s most fascinating creatures are quietly disappearing.

If you live, work, or own land in Indiana, understanding which animals are protected and what the law requires of you is more important than ever. This guide walks you through the listing process, notable endangered species, your legal obligations, and how you can play a role in protecting Indiana’s natural heritage.

How Endangered Species Are Listed and Protected in Indiana

Indiana operates under a dual-layer protection system — one at the state level and one at the federal level. Understanding how each layer works helps you know which rules apply in any given situation.

In 1973, the Indiana state legislature passed the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act (IC 14-22-34), which authorized the Indiana DNR to develop programs to manage and conserve nongame and endangered species. This landmark law gave the word “endangered” real legal weight at the state level for the first time.

Staff in the Division of Fish & Wildlife lead statewide programs to benefit Indiana’s nearly 160 species of greatest conservation need across four species groups: mammals, birds, reptiles/amphibians, and fish/freshwater mussels. These programs manage and conserve Indiana’s nongame and endangered species and their habitats.

The state list is not static. The director must conduct a review of the state list of endangered species at least every two years and may amend the list by additions or deletions considered appropriate. This regular review process ensures the list reflects the latest scientific data.

Key Insight: Indiana’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) list includes over 1,100 species of plants, fish, wildlife, insects, and arachnids — far more than those with full legal protection.

The SGCN designation is used by the DNR to prioritize and direct research, monitoring, and management actions within the agency and the state. Additionally, these SGCN are included in Indiana’s State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) to help guide conservation actions by any agency, organization, or individual Hoosier.

In 1986, the Indiana DNR signed an Endangered Species Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). As a result, for the first time, Indiana was eligible to receive federal matching funds for projects to benefit species listed by the federal government. To date, Indiana has received more than $20 million in State and Tribal Wildlife Grant funds.

Federally Listed vs. State-Listed Endangered Animals in Indiana

Not every endangered animal in Indiana falls under the same legal umbrella. The distinction between federal and state listings matters significantly when it comes to enforcement, penalties, and the scope of protection.

Technically, the word “threatened” doesn’t legally apply to species in Indiana at the state level. However, as a result of Indiana’s 1973 Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act, “endangered” developed real teeth, affording much-needed protection to Indiana-based species in trouble.

Here is a breakdown of the key classification tiers used in Indiana:

Classification	Definition	Legal Protection
State Endangered	Any animal species whose prospects for survival or recruitment within the state are in immediate jeopardy and are in danger of disappearing from the state.	Full protection under IC 14-22-34
State Special Concern	Species that require monitoring because of known/suspected limited abundance or distribution; have had a recent change in legal listing status; or have had a change to the required habitat needed for survival.	No legal protection under the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act.
Federally Endangered	Any species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, listed under the ESA.	Full protection under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973
Federally Threatened	Species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.	Protected under the federal ESA with some regulatory flexibility

In some cases, state endangered animals are also designated “endangered” at the federal level, falling under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some prominent examples of these dual listings include both gray and Indiana bats, whooping cranes, least terns, and Kirtland’s warblers.

What’s more, 14 out of Indiana’s 17 endangered mollusks also appear on federal endangered species listings. This dual-listing reality means that harming certain species could expose you to both state and federal penalties simultaneously.

Important Note: A species can be on the state list, the federal list, or both. Always check both the Indiana DNR list and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service database before making decisions that could affect local wildlife.

Indiana has a formal, multiyear process involving teams of ornithologists, herpetologists, mammalogists, and other species specialists from around the state to determine which animals earn protected status. It is a rigorous, science-driven process — not a political one.

Notable Endangered Animals Found in Indiana

Indiana is home to a wide range of native wildlife, but several species are now facing serious threats due to factors like habitat loss, disease, pollution, and human activity. From ancient fish to elusive mammals and vulnerable amphibians, these animals are struggling to survive in this changing Midwestern landscape. Below are some of the most significant species you should know about.

Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)

One of the state’s most iconic endangered animals shares its very name with Indiana. There are roughly 11 species of bats at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge alone, including the federally endangered Indiana Bat. This small, cave-dwelling mammal is particularly vulnerable to white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has devastated bat colonies across the eastern United States. You can learn more about animals with unique survival adaptations, including those immune to environmental threats, to understand how wildlife resilience works.

Tri-Colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus)

The tri-colored bat is one of Indiana’s most endangered mammals, primarily due to white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has devastated bat populations across much of eastern North America. Once common throughout the state, this small bat is now rarely seen in areas it once occupied. They are identifiable by their distinctive tri-colored fur pattern — dark bases, lighter middle bands, and dark tips on individual hairs — and weigh only around 4 to 10 grams. Tri-colored bats prefer forested habitats near water and roost in tree foliage during warmer months.

Kirtland’s Warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii)

Kirtland’s Warblers occur at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge and are federally endangered. This small songbird requires very specific nesting conditions and has a highly restricted range, making its presence in Indiana particularly significant for conservation efforts.

Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta)

The state-endangered Copperbelly Water Snake can be found at certain Indiana wildlife refuges. This nonvenomous snake depends on wetland habitats that have been dramatically reduced due to agricultural drainage and development across the state. If you are curious about Indiana’s venomous species, you can explore a full guide to venomous animals in Indiana for context on which snakes actually pose a danger.

Crawfish Frog (Lithobates areolatus)

A very important state-endangered species is the Crawfish Frog (Rana areolata). This is a unique amphibian species that utilizes crawfish burrows and breeds in the many ponds across the refuge. Historically, this species would breed in buffalo wallows in Indiana. The loss of both wetlands and crawfish burrow habitat has pushed this frog to the edge of local survival.

Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)

Lake sturgeon were once common in the Ohio River basin, but within Indiana, they are now reduced to a few remnant populations. Lake Sturgeon require clean, fast-flowing rivers with gravel bottoms for spawning, and their decline in Indiana is linked to overfishing, pollution, and the construction of dams that block migration routes. These ancient fish can live for decades, making each individual lost to illegal take a significant blow to recovery efforts. You can read about other animals that have already gone extinct to understand what is at stake.

Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata)

Besides being sold in the controversial exotic pet industry, spotted turtles are threatened by pollution and habitat loss. Like the wood turtle, spotted turtles need dedicated and limited environments where they can build stable nests. Unfortunately, spotted turtles don’t reach sexual maturity until 8 years of age, making it extremely difficult for them to reach an optimum time for breeding.

Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

The timber rattlesnake is a venomous snake on Indiana’s “endangered” list. It can be identified by the distinctive rattle on the end of its tail. Despite its fearsome reputation, this snake plays a critical role in controlling rodent populations. You can explore the broader topic of dangerous animals in Indiana to understand how protected species fit into the state’s ecosystem.

Pro Tip: Indiana’s endangered species are spread across all 92 counties. The Indiana DNR’s Nature Preserves Division maintains a county-by-county list of endangered, threatened, and rare species — check your county before starting any land-clearing or construction project.

What You Cannot Do Around Endangered Animals in Indiana

Indiana law is clear: the protections afforded to endangered animals are not suggestions. Whether you encounter a listed species on a hiking trail or your own backyard, specific prohibitions apply to you the moment you are in the presence of a protected animal.

Under Indiana Code IC 14-22-34-12, a person may not take, possess, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale, or ship a species or subspecies of wildlife appearing on the list of wildlife indigenous to Indiana determined to be endangered in Indiana, or on the United States list of endangered wildlife.

Indiana’s legal definition of “take” is broad. Under Indiana law, “take” means to harass, hunt, capture, or kill — or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill — wildlife. This means that even chasing or disturbing an endangered animal without physically harming it can constitute an illegal “take.”

Here is a summary of what you are prohibited from doing:

• Hunting or trapping any state or federally listed endangered animal, regardless of season or license status
• Capturing or collecting endangered animals for personal display, research, or any other purpose without a valid permit
• Harassing or disturbing listed animals in ways that disrupt normal behavior, including nesting, feeding, or breeding
• Selling, purchasing, or trading endangered animals or their parts, including feathers, shells, bones, or eggs
• Transporting a listed species across state lines without proper federal authorization
• Destroying critical habitat in ways that effectively harm a listed species, which can constitute an unlawful take under federal law

Indiana statutes prohibit any form of possession of listed species, including taking, transporting, purchasing, or selling, except by permit. Listed species may only be removed, captured, or destroyed if it is shown by good cause that the species are causing property damage or are a danger to human health.

Common Mistake: Many people assume that “catch and release” of an endangered turtle or snake is harmless. Under Indiana law, capturing a listed species — even temporarily — is still considered “taking” and is illegal without a permit.

Federal law adds another layer. Taking a species under the ESA generally includes causing any harm to a federally protected animal or plant species. Any individual that knowingly takes a listed species can be fined up to $25,000 by the federal government for each violation or instance.

Endangered Species on Private Land in Indiana

One of the most common misconceptions about endangered species law is that it only applies to public lands. If you own property in Indiana, the law can reach onto your land just as surely as it does into any state park or wildlife refuge.

Property owners and developers must understand the potential impacts of their activities on listed species, as an unauthorized take of a listed fish or wildlife species may be subject to civil or criminal liability under Section 11 of the ESA.

This means that if you plan to clear trees, drain a wetland, grade land, or undertake any construction project on your property, you have an obligation to determine whether any listed species are present. As a violation of the ESA’s prohibition on unauthorized take can lead to civil and criminal penalties, property owners and developers should take the necessary steps to ensure ESA compliance early in the real estate development planning stages.

The federal ESA’s Section 7 consultation process applies when federal permits or funding are involved. Where private land use requires a federal authorization such as a permit, or otherwise receives significant federal funding, the permitting agency may not authorize or fund the project if the private land use would jeopardize an endangered or threatened species, or significantly modify such a species’ habitat.

Here is what private landowners in Indiana should know:

• Pre-project surveys: Before breaking ground, consider hiring a qualified wildlife biologist to survey for listed species on your property.
• Incidental Take Permits: If your activity may unavoidably impact a listed species, you can apply for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which requires a Habitat Conservation Plan.
• Safe Harbor Agreements: Voluntary agreements between landowners and the USFWS that encourage habitat enhancement on private land without increasing regulatory burden.
• Candidate Conservation Agreements: Proactive measures that may prevent a species from needing federal listing in the first place.

Pro Tip: Contact the Indiana DNR’s Division of Nature Preserves before starting any major land-use project. Their Heritage Data Center can tell you whether any listed species have been documented in your area — this one step can save you from significant legal exposure.

The Indiana Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act establishes various standards and limitations to protect and conserve nongame and endangered species in the state. These standards include restrictions on the taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale, or offer for sale of any nongame or endangered species. These restrictions do not disappear simply because the land is privately owned. You can also compare how other states handle these issues by reviewing endangered animals in West Virginia or endangered animals in Virginia for regional context.

How to Report an Endangered Animal Sighting in Indiana

Spotting a rare or endangered animal in Indiana is a meaningful event — and reporting it to the right authorities can directly support conservation science. The Indiana DNR actively relies on citizen observations to track population trends and update its species data.

There are three primary ways to submit a sighting report in Indiana:

1. Email the Indiana DNR directly: If you have information on any rare or endangered species and would like to submit a sighting report, you can contact the DNR at tdavis@dnr.IN.gov.
2. Use iNaturalist: If you have existing photos with a GPS location to upload or would like to map locations online, you can add observations to the DNR’s iNaturalist Rare Species of Indiana project. This platform is free, user-friendly, and allows your sighting to be reviewed by experts.
3. Submit digital datasets: The DNR also accepts digital datasets, including databases, spreadsheets, and GIS files. This option is particularly useful for researchers, land managers, and environmental consultants with structured survey data.

When reporting a sighting, try to document as much detail as possible. Useful information includes:

• The date, time, and precise location (GPS coordinates when possible)
• A clear photograph or video if you can capture one safely and without disturbing the animal
• A description of the animal’s behavior at the time of the sighting
• The habitat type where the animal was observed (wetland, forest, grassland, riverbank, etc.)
• Whether other individuals of the same species were present

Important Note: Never approach, handle, or attempt to capture an endangered animal to get a better photo or confirm its identity. Observe from a safe distance and document what you can without disturbing the animal or its habitat.

The DNR is constantly striving to improve its data sets and to incorporate all information available on threatened and endangered species of Indiana. Survey information is incorporated from a variety of sources including state and federal agencies, non-profit conservation groups, independent contractors, and private organizations. Your sighting genuinely matters — citizen science data has helped shape species listings and recovery plans across the country. You can also explore how other states like Washington manage endangered species reporting to see how these programs compare.

Penalties for Harming or Taking an Endangered Animal in Indiana

Indiana takes violations of its endangered species laws seriously. Whether the offense falls under state law, federal law, or both, the consequences can be severe — including criminal charges, significant fines, and even imprisonment.

State-Level Penalties Under Indiana Law

Under Indiana’s Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act, a person who fails to procure or violates the terms of a permit issued under the relevant sections of the act commits a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor in Indiana can carry penalties including up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000.

The Indiana Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act provides for various enforcement actions and penalties in cases of violation. These may include notices of violation, administrative orders, civil penalties, and, in severe cases, criminal penalties. The specific enforcement actions and penalty structures may vary depending on the nature and severity of the violation, as well as other factors such as the violator’s history of compliance and cooperativeness with the IDNR.

Federal-Level Penalties Under the ESA

Federal penalties are generally more severe and apply to any species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. Taking a listed species can result in a fine of up to $25,000 by the federal government for each violation or instance.

An individual or organization may receive fines or imprisonment, as well as additional penalties, for each violation — meaning each individual of a listed animal species taken without authorization. This per-individual counting means that disturbing a bat colony or collecting multiple mussels could multiply penalties dramatically.

The federal penalty structure also includes civil fines for less severe infractions. As of 2023, the ESA authorizes the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to assess $1,566 for otherwise violating a provision of the ESA, including by negligently harassing a listed animal or unintentionally taking a listed species.

Penalty Summary Table

Violation Type	Governing Law	Maximum Penalty
Knowingly taking a federally listed species	Federal ESA (Section 11)	Up to $25,000 fine per violation + potential imprisonment
Negligent harassment or unintentional take	Federal ESA (Civil)	$1,566 per violation (as of 2023)
Violating Indiana state permit terms or unlawful take	IC 14-22-34 (Indiana NESCA)	Class A misdemeanor — up to 1 year jail, up to $5,000 fine
Illegal sale or commercial trade of listed species	Federal ESA + Lacey Act	Up to $50,000 fine and/or up to 1 year imprisonment

Important Note: “I didn’t know it was protected” is not a legal defense under the ESA. The law holds individuals responsible for knowing which species are listed. When in doubt, do not disturb any wildlife you cannot positively identify as unprotected.

Beyond the direct legal penalties, violations can also trigger additional consequences. Activities that cause damage to an endangered, at-risk, or threatened species can also result in liability for broader environmental damage. This can include remediation costs, habitat restoration orders, and civil suits.

To avoid enforcement actions and penalties, it is crucial for developers and consultants to proactively comply with the act’s provisions and engage early with the IDNR to address any potential compliance issues. The same principle applies to individual landowners, hunters, anglers, and anyone spending time in Indiana’s natural areas.

Indiana’s endangered animals — from the Indiana Bat to the lake sturgeon — are part of what makes the Hoosier State ecologically rich. Understanding the laws that protect them is not just a legal necessity; it is a responsibility shared by everyone who calls this state home. Whether you are a landowner, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who spotted something unusual in the wild, you have a role to play in keeping these species from disappearing entirely. For a broader perspective on species at risk across the country, explore our guide to animals that have already gone extinct — a sobering reminder of what happens when protections come too late.