Do you have a favorite animal?

Well… how would you feel if it went completely extinct? Many animals are disappearing, and most people don’t even realize how close some species are to vanishing forever.

Which animals are going extinct that you might not know about?

There are many animals in the U.S. that are currently on the brink of extinction. Here are some of the most endangered:

• Red Wolf

• Florida Panther

• Florida Manatee

• Loggerhead Sea Turtle

• California Condor

• Mississippi Gopher Frog

• San Joaquin Kit Fox

• Franklin’s Bumble Bee

• North Atlantic Right Whale

• Black-Footed Ferret

Why is this happening?

The biggest threat to our planet’s species is humans. The global population increases by millions each year, and all these people use more and more natural resources—often leaving too little for other species.

We rely on thousands of resources every day, but these resources are not unlimited. Most people don’t realize that the fish they catch or the trees they cut down may seriously damage the ecosystems those species depend on.

Deforestation is another major cause. When forests are cleared for buildings, roads, and other human needs, entire ecosystems can be destroyed—along with the animals, insects, and organisms that live there.

What can you do to help?

Reduce, reuse, recycle is a key way to help the environment—though surprisingly, reducing and reusing matter even more than recycling.

You can also help by cutting down on food waste. Here are some ways to do that:

• Bring your own takeout containers to restaurants

• Plan meals to avoid overbuying

• Compost food scraps

Small changes like these can make a big difference. If enough people help, maybe—just maybe—the number of endangered animals could finally start to drop.

In Conclusion

Spreading awareness about endangered animals is essential. Animal populations are “dropping like flies,” and without realizing it, you might be contributing to the problem. But with knowledge and action, you can also be part of the solution.