What Animals Have Been Saved From Being Endangered?

The endangered animals list varies for each state or region in the United States. The animals on these important lists were hunted almost to extinction. Others are endangered due to habitat destruction or reduction. The majority of animals made a comeback, but some still struggle to survive. The animals listed on this guide have been saved from the endangered list.

American Alligator:

• People once hunted this reptile for its hide and meat in Florida. They also considered the alligator a nuisance animal that needed to be removed or killed. The American alligator was added to the Endangered Species Act in 1967, but the population increased dramatically in the Everglades over the last decades. In 1987, it was cut off the list.

Bald Eagle:

• Forty-eight states placed the bald eagle on the endangered list between 1960 and 1970 due to an extreme decrease in their population. Fisherman killed thousands of these majestic birds to keep them from eating salmon. Insectides placed on plants also killed or harmed the bald eagle because they ate the animals that fed on the plants. Public outcry influenced the Bald Eagle Act in 1940 and the birds were protected by law. Bald eagles have grown in population and are successfully breeding all over the lower half of the United States.

Florida Panther:

• The government saved the Florida panther from extinction by listing it as an endangered animal, and in 1989 less than 50 lived in the Everglades. That number recently doubled to around 100. Although panthers are still considered endangered, protective measures helped keep them from completely disappearing.

Gray Wolf:

• The gray wolf's numbers dwindled down to about 100 by the mid 20th century. Hunted, trapped or poisoned to near extinction, the wolf is making a great comeback in Minnesota, Michigan and some other states.

Grizzly Bear:

• This bear made the endangered list in 1975. Their numbers went down to a mere 250 in all 48 states. Today, the grizzly bear population is roughly 1,200 or more. Half live in Yellowstone National Park.