ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland is home to many exciting animals and plants across its many regions. Since Europeans first colonized our state, populations of local wildlife have become endangered and, in some cases, even extinct. Experts across Maryland work tirelessly to preserve endangered species in the Old Line State, so we’re highlighting 10 of the most interesting plants and animals that are at risk in 2026.
Olympia Marble
A Western Maryland native, the Olympia marble is a rare type of butterfly with a marbled pattern displayed across its wings. With three unique populations available that feed on the nectar from plants like phlox and rock cress, wildlife experts are concerned about the Olympia marble due to its small overall population across Maryland and the Appalachian Mountains.
American Brook Lamprey
With slender bodies, American brook lampreys are a fascinating species for one distinct reason: they don’t eat anything after metamorphosing into adults. Their larvae spend up to seven years feeding on algae, after which they turn into adults and die shortly afterward. Now a rarity in Maryland due to their dwindling populations, the American brook lamprey has been discovered in warm, slow-moving streams on the western shore area of the coastal plain.
Green Salamander
The green salamander is a rare animal in Maryland that has historically been discovered in sandstone outcrops across Garrett County. They primarily hide in interconnecting crevices, while their green color helps them blend into their habitat. Luckily, ecologists have found new populations in recent years, and there could be more hiding within the rocky crevices of Maryland’s western region.
Mountain Chorus Frog
Another endangered animal with roots in Garrett County, the mountain chorus frog is becoming rarer because its breeding locations have often been impacted by humans. The mountain chorus frog burrows into mud for the winter, then pops back up in spring to attract mates with a squeaking noise. The wetlands in Western Maryland where these frogs have historically made their home have been partly destroyed, making it difficult for the species to recover.
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Between the loggerhead and the Atlantic hawksbill, there are a variety of turtles in Maryland that need attention. One of the most notably endangered species, the leatherback sea turtle is the largest type of turtle on Earth, as they commonly grow to be more than 50 inches long and over 1,000 pounds in weight. Generally, these aquatic creatures live in the open ocean, but on occasion, leatherback sea turtles can be spotted off the shore of Maryland’s Worcester County.
Scarlet Indian-Paintbrush
Moving on from animals, the scarlet Indian-paintbrush is one of the rarest plants in Maryland. This plant absorbs energy through photosynthesis, but it also steals energy from other nearby plant life. In Maryland, the scarlet Indian-paintbrush is usually only found in wet meadows and near streams in mountainous regions, making it a rare find across the state.
Crested Coralroot
Crested coralroot is a colorful plant with a distinct appearance, and it has the ability to gain energy from other dead plants. These saprophytic orchids can be discovered in dry woods on rare occasions, but few remain, as the populations of crested coralroot in Maryland were greatly reduced following European colonization.
Fringed Gentian
Fringed gentians are incredibly rare in the Old Line State, and according to Maryland.gov, very few populations of them remain. These beautiful purple wildflowers grow in unpredictable ways, making it hard to preserve them in any given region. One single fringed gentian can have over 100 flowers in bloom, offering a distinct display to travelers who encounter it in the wild.
Sweet Pinesap
Sweet pinesap is a saprophyte that uses soil fungi as an energy source. In the modern day, this plant can only be found within Maryland in Calvert County, so it’s one of the most noteworthy endangered species living in Southern Maryland. Sweet pinesap often lives in dry forests, and its cinnamon-like smell is so powerful that it can aid humans in locating it in the wild.
Earleaf False Foxglove
The earleaf false foxglove can only be encountered in two separate populations across the entire state, according to Maryland.gov. This endangered species is a hemiparasite that gains energy from sunflowers, offering it a unique nutrient source. Earleaf false foxglove makes its home on the Potomac River, usually in seasonally flooded areas, so it’s hard to spot in the wild.
Want to learn about more endangered species? Visit Maryland.gov to find a comprehensive list of at-risk plants and animals.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email [email protected].…