Why We Care

The ESA is a very effective and popular law.

The ESA is responsible for preventing the extinction of 99 percent of listed species, including such iconic American species as the bald eagle, the gray wolf, and the grizzly bear. The ESA also enjoys the support of some 90 percent of American voters, making this law not only extremely effective, but also extremely popular.

The Bald Eagle
In 1963, prior to being listed under the ESA, there were about 413 - 417 bald eagles in the wild. The species was listed in 1973 and within 34 years the number of animals in the wild population grew to 9,789 breeding pairs. Current Population Trend: Stable/Least Concern, but with increasing concern.

The Gray Wolf
Before being listed under the ESA, there were about a few hundred gray wolves in extreme northeast of Minnesota and a small number in Isle Royale, MI. The species was listed under the ESA in May 1974 and within 42 years the number of animals in the wild population grew to over 7,000. Current population trend: Stable/Least Concern.

The Grizzly Bear
Before being listed under the ESA, there were about 136 grizzly bears in the wild (about 2% of the species' former range south of Canada). The species was listed in July 28, 1975 and within 43 years the number of animals in the wild population grew to roughly 690 - 700. Current Population Trend: Stable/Least Concern.

The ESA is under assault.

Despite the ESA’s effectiveness and popularity, it is under constant assault by lawmakers who seek to weaken and undermine it. There have been over 300 direct attacks on the ESA since 1996 (as of February 2018). These attacks take numerous forms, including anti-ESA decisions and actions by Federal agencies, proposed anti-ESA legislation, and legislative “riders,” which add anti-ESA provisions to bills. Under the 115th U.S. Congress (2017 – 2019), there have been numerous bills aimed at weakening the ESA. Additionally, in 2017 the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a report, which prioritized U.S. energy production over the ESA and conservation.

“The protection and preservation of wildlife is a stewardship responsibility that we owe to future generations to come. That is why the Endangered Species Act is an enormous point of pride for our country. It has been a ‘wild success,’ but as we know, in far too many places in our own country and around the world today, wildlife and their habitats are threatened.”

Hillary Rodham Clinton, November 13, 2013.