Indiana may not be the largest state in the country, but the wildlife it supports is remarkably diverse — and increasingly at risk. From bats hiding in cave systems to freshwater mussels clinging to riverbed gravel, some of the Hoosier State’s most fascinating creatures are quietly disappearing.
If you live, work, or own land in Indiana, understanding which animals are protected and what the law requires of you is more important than ever. This guide walks you through the listing process, notable endangered species, your legal obligations, and how you can play a role in protecting Indiana’s natural heritage.
How Endangered Species Are Listed and Protected in Indiana
Indiana operates under a dual-layer protection system — one at the state level and one at the federal level. Understanding how each layer works helps you know which rules apply in any given situation.
In 1973, the Indiana state legislature passed the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act (IC 14-22-34), which authorized the Indiana DNR to develop programs to manage and conserve nongame and endangered species. This landmark law gave the word “endangered” real legal weight at the state level for the first time…