Maryland’s unique ecosystem is home to many special creatures that need our protection. State laws make it illegal to disturb, capture, or relocate certain animals without proper permits. Breaking these rules can result in hefty fines or even jail time.
Understanding which animals are protected helps us be better neighbors to Maryland’s wild residents.
1. Delmarva Fox Squirrel
Once endangered, these fluffy-tailed creatures are making a comeback in Maryland’s eastern forests. Larger than common gray squirrels, they sport silver-tipped fur and prefer mature pine and hardwood habitats.
Moving or disturbing these squirrels carries penalties up to $10,000. Their recovery represents one of Maryland’s conservation success stories, though they remain protected under state law even after being removed from the federal endangered species list.
2. Bog Turtle
Maryland’s tiniest turtle packs a big punch in conservation importance! Rarely growing larger than 4 inches, these critically endangered reptiles have distinctive orange patches on their necks.
Found in wetlands and meadows across the state, bog turtles face threats from habitat loss and illegal collection. Disturbing their homes or handling these turtles without proper wildlife permits can result in federal charges and fines exceeding $25,000.
3. Bald Eagle
America’s national symbol soars throughout Maryland, especially around the Chesapeake Bay. With their striking white heads and massive 7-foot wingspans, these majestic birds command attention and legal protection.
Federal and state laws prohibit disturbing nests or roosting sites. Even collecting fallen feathers is illegal! Penalties for harassing bald eagles include fines up to $100,000 and potential jail time, reflecting their important cultural and ecological status.
4. Northern Long-eared Bat
These nocturnal mammals face a crisis from white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease. With their oversized ears and nimble flying skills, they hunt mosquitoes and other insects across Maryland’s forests.
Disturbing hibernating colonies can spread disease and deplete the bats’ crucial fat reserves. Federal protection makes it illegal to harm these bats or modify their habitats without permits. Conservation efforts include special forest management practices and artificial roosting structures.
5. Puritan Tiger Beetle
Don’t let the name fool you—these rare insects are tiny predators that scurry along specific beaches and cliff areas of the Chesapeake Bay. Their metallic green bodies flash in the sunlight as they hunt smaller insects.
Found in only two places worldwide, both in Maryland, these beetles have extremely specific habitat needs. Disturbing their cliff habitats carries significant penalties. Beach development and erosion control projects must consider these protected insects and their fragile homes.
6. Diamondback Terrapin
Maryland’s official state reptile sports a beautiful diamond-patterned shell and inhabits the brackish waters where rivers meet the Chesapeake Bay. These unique turtles can live up to 40 years in the wild!
Once hunted to near extinction for terrapin soup, they now enjoy legal protection. Collecting or disturbing nesting females is strictly prohibited. Female terrapins often cross roads to reach nesting sites, making them vulnerable to traffic and illegal collection.
7. Eastern Box Turtle
With their high-domed shells and vibrant orange and yellow markings, these woodland wanderers are beloved Maryland residents. Despite their popularity, removing them from the wild is illegal without proper permits.
Box turtles maintain tiny home territories of just a few acres. When relocated, they often die trying to find their way back home. Their populations are declining due to habitat loss, road mortality, and illegal collection for the pet trade.
8. Dwarf Wedge Mussel
These unassuming freshwater mussels play a crucial role in filtering Maryland’s streams and rivers. No bigger than a quarter, they’re endangered throughout their range and protected by both state and federal laws.
Disturbing stream beds where these mussels live carries serious penalties. They require clean, flowing water and specific fish species to complete their unusual life cycle. Conservation efforts include stream restoration projects and monitoring water quality in their remaining habitats.
9. Shenandoah Salamander
Found only in a tiny area of Maryland’s portion of the Appalachian Mountains, these rare amphibians live under rocks and logs in high-elevation forests. Their dark bodies feature distinctive bronze or red stripes running down their backs.
Climate change threatens their cool, moist mountain habitats. Disturbing their woodland homes or handling these salamanders is strictly prohibited. Scientists monitor their small populations carefully, as they’re considered one of the most endangered salamander species in North America.
10. Piping Plover
These sand-colored shorebirds blend perfectly with Maryland’s coastal beaches. Weighing less than two ounces, piping plovers create simple nest scrapes directly on open sand, making them extremely vulnerable to disturbance.
Beach areas with nesting plovers are often roped off during breeding season. Walking dogs, driving vehicles, or even flying kites near nesting areas is prohibited. Their population has slowly increased thanks to intensive protection efforts, but they remain one of Maryland’s most carefully guarded bird species.