Protected and Endangered Animals in Mississippi: Laws, Species, and Penalties Explained

Mississippi is home to a remarkable range of wildlife, from coastal marshes and longleaf pine savannas to river bottoms and Gulf waters — but for dozens of species, survival is no longer guaranteed. Mississippi has 80 species and subspecies of plants and animals that are officially recognized as endangered. That number reflects decades of habitat loss, pollution, and human encroachment that have pushed native animals to the brink.

If you live in, work in, or visit the Magnolia State, understanding which animals are protected — and what the law actually requires of you — is more important than you might think. Whether you encounter a nesting bird on your property, spot a sea turtle on the coast, or are planning a development project, Mississippi’s endangered species laws apply to you. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from how species get listed to what happens if you harm one.

How Endangered Species Are Listed and Protected in Mississippi

Two separate but overlapping legal frameworks govern endangered species protection in Mississippi: federal law and state law. Both carry real legal weight, and both can affect what you’re allowed to do on public and private land.

At the federal level, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 provides for the identification, listing, and protection of both threatened and endangered species and their habitats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) share responsibility for administering the ESA, depending on whether a species is land-based or marine.

At the state level, under the Mississippi Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks maintains a state-specific list of endangered and threatened species. An endangered species, as defined by Mississippi law, is any species or subspecies of wildlife whose survival and continued welfare in the state is in jeopardy or is likely to become so in the near future.

As defined by the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, endangered species are those currently in danger of becoming extinct, while threatened species consist of those likely to become endangered in the near future. This distinction matters because the level of legal protection can differ between the two categories.

Before a species receives federal protection, it goes through a formal review process. The public may petition to list a species, or biologists at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may study a species whose population is thought to be declining and decide themselves whether it qualifies as a candidate. The law stipulates that FWS scientists must use accurate scientific information collected from several sources to back their candidate decisions.

Key Insight: Once a species is listed under the federal ESA, the government is required to review its status every five years. This means protections can be strengthened, loosened, or removed as populations change.

The Mississippi Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act also allows for the designation and protection of critical habitats essential for the conservation of listed species. Protecting critical habitat is often just as important as protecting the animals themselves, since destroying where a species lives can be just as harmful as harming the animal directly.

Federally Listed vs. State-Listed Endangered Animals in Mississippi

Not every endangered animal in Mississippi is protected under both federal and state law. Understanding the difference between these two lists helps you know exactly which protections apply in a given situation.

Endangered species policy in Mississippi involves the identification and protection of endangered and threatened animal and plant species, with policies implemented and enforced by both the state and federal governments. However, the two lists do not always overlap perfectly.

Certain Mississippi plants and animals have been designated as endangered either by the state or by both the state and U.S. governments. Under Mississippi law, such species are protected from hunting and illegal possession, while listing by federal authorities results in additional restrictions aimed at protecting the species and its habitat.

A species can be state-listed without being federally listed — meaning it may be declining in Mississippi specifically, even if it remains stable elsewhere in the country. Conversely, a federally listed species receives nationwide protections that apply in Mississippi regardless of whether the state has added it to its own list.

Important Note: Currently, 53 species are critically imperiled in Mississippi. Many of these are candidates for federal listing but have not yet received that formal designation — meaning state law may be their only current legal protection.

The Mississippi Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act applies to all lands and waters within the state and covers all native wildlife species not classified as game animals, game birds, or game fish. This broad scope means that many non-game species — from freshwater mussels to songbirds — receive state-level protection even when they are not federally listed.

For a complete and current comparison of federally and state-listed species, you can consult the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s species listings database for Mississippi or visit the MDWFP’s Mississippi Endangered Species page. You may also find it useful to compare how neighboring states handle similar issues — for example, see how endangered animals in Virginia are listed and protected, or review endangered animals in West Virginia for a regional perspective.

Notable Endangered Animals Found in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, from coastal waters to upland forests. Yet for many of the state’s most unique and ecologically significant species, survival is far from guaranteed. Decades of habitat loss, human encroachment, climate change, and invasive species have pushed several native animals to the brink of extinction.

Below are some of the most significant endangered and threatened animals currently found in Mississippi:

Mississippi Sandhill Crane

The endangered Mississippi sandhill crane is found only in a small, non-migratory population in coastal Mississippi. These cranes depend on longleaf pine savannas — an ecosystem that has nearly disappeared. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service added the Mississippi sandhill crane to the endangered species list in 1973, and Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge was the first refuge established under the Endangered Species Act.

The refuge was established in 1975 under authority of the Endangered Species Act to protect the critically endangered Mississippi sandhill cranes and their unique, and itself endangered, wet pine savanna habitat. The crane population, at that time only 30–35 birds, is currently at approximately 200 birds. At present, only 5% or less of the original savanna habitat that once supported the cranes remains on the Gulf Coastal Plain, and Mississippi sandhill cranes now occur only on the refuge named for them and adjacent private lands in the vicinity of the refuge.

Gulf Sturgeon

The Gulf sturgeon is a sub-species of the Atlantic sturgeon that can be found from Lake Pontchartrain and the Pearl River system in Louisiana and Mississippi to the Suwannee River in Florida. Hatched in the freshwater of rivers, Gulf sturgeon head out to sea as juveniles and return to the rivers of their birth to spawn when they reach adulthood.

In 1991, Gulf sturgeon were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act after their population was greatly reduced or eliminated throughout much of their range because of overfishing, dam construction, and habitat degradation. If you encounter a stranded or injured Gulf sturgeon in Mississippi, you can report it to NOAA Fisheries at 844-STURG-911.

West Indian Manatee

In summer months, manatees can be found as far west as Texas and as far north as Massachusetts, and summer sightings in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana are common. Manatees are protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which makes it illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal. Unfortunately, a relatively high number of manatee deaths are caused by accidents with vessels.

Gopher Tortoise

The gopher tortoise is protected in all states where it occurs, and is state-listed as threatened in Mississippi. Populations in the western distinct population segment (DPS) are federally listed as threatened and receive protections under the ESA. Typical gopher tortoise habitat consists of an open canopy with diverse groundcover vegetation on well-drained, sandy soils, and the species is generally associated with southern pine tree species including longleaf pine, loblolly pine, and slash pine.

American Black Bear

The American black bear’s decline in Mississippi stems largely from severe habitat loss and fragmentation. Historically dependent on the dense bottomland hardwood forests of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, bears lost over 80% of this habitat by 1980 due to agricultural expansion. In recent years, black bear sightings in the state have been on the rise.

Pearl Darter

The pearl darter is a rare, small fish found only in the Pascagoula River drainage and the Pearl River drainage areas and nowhere else. Its extremely limited range makes it one of the most geographically restricted fish species in the country, and any significant habitat disruption in those river systems poses a direct threat to its survival.

Rice’s Whale

In April 2019, NOAA listed the Gulf of America’s Rice’s whale as “endangered” based upon the best available scientific and commercial information. NOAA has determined that this species is presently in danger of extinction due to its small population size and restricted range, with threats from energy exploration and development, oil spills and oil spill response, noise, vessel collisions, and fishing gear entanglement. In 2021, scientists determined that the Rice’s whale was a unique species, genetically and morphologically distinct from Bryde’s whales, and it has been consistently located in the northeastern Gulf of America along the continental shelf break.

Pro Tip: Mississippi’s coastal and river ecosystems support species from multiple legal jurisdictions — USFWS, NOAA Fisheries, and state MDWFP. When in doubt about which agency oversees a species, the NOAA Fisheries Mississippi species list and the USFWS database are your best starting points. You can also learn more about how animals go extinct to understand the stakes involved.

What You Cannot Do Around Endangered Animals in Mississippi

Both federal and state law draw clear lines around what is and isn’t permissible when it comes to endangered animals. Knowing these boundaries isn’t just good practice — it’s a legal requirement.

Under the federal ESA, the Endangered Species Act makes the taking of an animal on the endangered or threatened species list illegal. According to the act, to “take” is to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect or attempt to engage in any such conduct.”

At the state level, prohibited activities under the Mississippi Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act include taking, possessing, transporting, exporting, processing, selling, or offering for sale any species listed as endangered or threatened under the act; modifying, degrading, or destroying the habitat of any listed species without proper authorization; and engaging in any activity that may lead to the taking, harassment, or disturbance of listed species, such as the operation of vehicles or equipment in sensitive areas.

There is one narrow exception. The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks may permit, under terms and conditions prescribed by regulation, the taking, possession, transportation, exportation, or shipment of species on the state list of endangered species for scientific, zoological, or educational purposes, for propagation in captivity, or for other special purposes. Outside of these permitted exceptions, the prohibitions are absolute.

It’s also worth knowing that all law enforcement and management officers of the commission and other law enforcement officers authorized to enforce the laws of the State of Mississippi are authorized to carry out the provisions of the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act, and any officer or agent may, without warrant, arrest any person who the officer or agent has probable cause to believe is violating any section, regulation, or permit provided for by those sections.

If you’re curious about which other Mississippi wildlife can pose risks in the field, it’s worth reviewing the venomous animals in Mississippi — knowing what you might encounter helps you stay safe and compliant.

Endangered Species on Private Land in Mississippi

One of the most common misconceptions about endangered species law is that it only applies to public land. In reality, the ESA and Mississippi’s state law both extend to private property.

The Mississippi Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act regulates activities that may impact threatened, endangered, or otherwise protected wildlife species in the state of Mississippi, and this act applies to a wide range of industries and activities, including construction, land development, forestry, agriculture, and recreation.

If a federally listed species lives on, nests on, or regularly uses your private land, you can still be held liable for harming it — even unintentionally. Habitat modification that results in injury or death to a listed species can qualify as an illegal “take” under the ESA.

Common Mistake: Many landowners assume that because they own the land, they can clear vegetation or fill wetlands without consequence. If a listed species uses that habitat, doing so without authorization may violate both federal and state law — regardless of who owns the property.

However, there are legal pathways available to private landowners. Other federal agencies have emphasized conservation actions to benefit the gopher tortoise, including National Resources Conservation Service programs of technical and financial assistance to private landowners to implement management actions for gopher tortoise and its habitat through the Working Lands For Wildlife program and the Longleaf Pine Initiative. Similar programs exist for other species.

Upon good cause shown, and where necessary to alleviate damage to property or to protect human health, endangered species may be removed, captured, or destroyed, but only pursuant to a permit issued by the commission. This means that even in cases where a listed species is causing property damage, you must obtain a permit before taking any action — you cannot simply remove the animal on your own.

If you are a farmer, developer, or land manager, it is essential to consult the full text of the regulation and work closely with the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to ensure compliance and obtain any necessary permits or authorizations. Proactively reaching out before beginning a project is always the safer legal approach. You might also find it helpful to understand how farm animals and wildlife coexist in agricultural settings as you plan land use responsibly.

How to Report an Endangered Animal Sighting in Mississippi

Reporting a sighting of an endangered or threatened animal is one of the most direct ways you can contribute to conservation in Mississippi. Wildlife managers rely on public observations to track populations, monitor recovery, and respond to animals in distress.

The agency you contact depends on the type of animal you’ve spotted:

• Stranded or injured sea turtles (Harrison and Hancock Counties): Call the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) hotline at 888-767-3657
• Stranded or injured sea turtles (Jackson County): Call NOAA at 228-369-4796
• Stranded dolphins: Call the IMMS hotline at 888-767-3657 or the NOAA hotline at 877-WHALE-HELP (942-5343)
• Manatee sightings: Call the Manatee Sighting Network at 866-866-493-5803 and ask the Protected Species Coordinator to have a sign posted in the area warning vessel operators to slow down and beware of manatees.
• Stranded or injured Gulf sturgeon: Call NOAA Fisheries at 844-STURG-911 (844-788-7491)
• Gopher tortoise reports: Email jennifer.frey@mmns.ms.gov or call 228-493-0865.
• General wildlife concerns: Contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP)

Pro Tip: When reporting a sighting, note the exact location (GPS coordinates if possible), the date and time, the number of animals observed, and any behaviors that seemed unusual — such as an animal appearing injured, disoriented, or entangled. Photographs are especially helpful for species identification.

You should never attempt to handle, move, or assist a distressed wild animal on your own. Even well-intentioned interference can cause additional stress or injury, and handling a federally protected species without authorization is itself a potential legal violation. Always wait for trained wildlife responders.

If you encounter a species you cannot identify, resources like the MDWFP endangered species database can help with identification. You can also compare what you see against profiles of endangered animals in Washington state to get a broader sense of how different protected species look and behave across the country.

Penalties for Harming or Taking an Endangered Animal in Mississippi

The legal consequences for harming, killing, or otherwise “taking” an endangered animal in Mississippi can be severe — and they operate on two levels: federal and state.

Federal Penalties Under the ESA

Taking a species 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. Civil penalties for non-knowing violations can reach up to $12,000 per violation. Criminal prosecution can result in up to one year of imprisonment in addition to fines.

State-Level Enforcement in Mississippi

At the state level, Mississippi law gives enforcement officers broad authority to act. Any officer or agent may, without warrant, arrest any person who the officer or agent has probable cause to believe is violating, in his presence or view, any section, regulation, or permit provided for by the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. An officer or agent who has made an arrest for any such violation may search the person or business records at the time of arrest and seize any wildlife, records, or property taken or used in connection with the violation.

Equipment, merchandise, wildlife, or records seized under this section shall be held by an officer or agent of the commission pending disposition of court proceedings, and may be forfeited to the state for destruction or disposition as the commission may deem appropriate.

Important Note: Ignorance of a species’ protected status is generally not a legal defense. If you are working in or near habitat known to support listed species — whether as a contractor, farmer, or recreational user — it is your responsibility to know what protections apply before taking any action.

Penalties can also compound. A single incident involving multiple animals, multiple prohibited actions, or both federal and state violations can result in multiple separate charges. The stakes are highest for commercial activities — selling or trafficking in listed species carries some of the most serious consequences under both federal and Mississippi state law.

Understanding these rules is part of being a responsible steward of Mississippi’s wildlife. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors, managing land, or simply curious about what lives around you, being informed is the first step toward keeping both yourself and the state’s most vulnerable animals protected. For broader context on wildlife and conservation, explore topics like animals that eat snakes, the most colorful animals in the world, or the biggest animals on Earth — understanding biodiversity helps underscore why protecting endangered species matters.