What to do if you come across a threatened or endangered species

First off, congratulations! That is awesome that you saw such a rare sprecies! A full list of threatened and endangered (T and E) in Michigan can be found here. If you have the opportunity to see one of these first is observe it from a distance, do not approach, and do not disturb it. If it is an insect that distance can be a lot smaller than say a bat. It is good to have a basic understanding, too, of why this species is a T/E species, a bee for example may be experiencing habitat loss or fragmentation while the bat could be experiencing something like white nose syndrome which is sometimes spread due to humans. That is another reason to keep a respectful distance. It is a good idea to report your sighting to the appropriate wildlife agency in your area (for example if you see a cougar report it to the appropriate state DNR staff); this could include taking a photo for documentation-size reference is always good and make sure you know the area in case you need to show wildlife professionals the site for authenticity, but never attempt to touch or capture the animal, as it is likely illegal to do so. And remember, if you encounter a T/E-listed species, allow the animal to move on without stressing it or pursuing it.

In Michigan, you can report any T/E sightings to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) by clicking this link. There the website includes PDFs, Survey123 guide for reporting, and all the other information on reporting you may need. This is your best place to start- especially for those smaller critters and plants.  

There are things you can do to help T/E species like a bat box or owl boxes, planting native wildflowers, and not disturbing natural areas. Other beneficial activities include planting native vegetation in your yard, removing invasive species, and sharing knowledge with others-especially those in your area and the area of your sighting. 

Something else to know is that shooting, trapping, or forcing a threatened or endangered animal into captivity is illegal. That means if you and your kiddos come across an adorable looking wood turtle, do not take it home as a pet. This is another reason to know your states T/E species but you should never try to handle or capture wildlife anyway. 

Sometimes T/E species can cause a problem- such as bats in your attic. If you have any issues with a T/E species in Michigan follow this link for the helpful resources you need to get in contact with a wildlife professional and follow proper procedures and permitting.