Nature’s diversity makes the wildlife alluring for hunting in Indiana. But some animals are off-limits as nongame, endangered, threatened and protected species.
Indiana's Division of Fish and Wildlife is committed to preserving the livelihood and wellbeing of the state’s endangered species by placing them on a list of nongame animals — those protected from hunting by state law.
Here are three endangered species to keep an eye out for while hunting in Indiana:
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1. Indiana Bat
These bats are medium-sized, often chestnut in color, have mouse-sized ears and nest in groups in hardwood pine forests, crop fields and grasslands across Indiana. They eat moths and mosquitoes, and are harmless to humans. The IDFW estimates that the population of these bats has decreased by nearly 80 percent over the past decade because of human pesticide use and loss of summer habitat resulting from the clearing of forests.
2. Trumpeter Swan
These graceful swans, native to North America, are the largest species of waterfowl in the country. They are often born with brown features that later turn a beautiful white pearl color during adulthood. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the trumpeter swan was hunted for game and for its feathers, and the population has yet to recover since that time. The swan can be identified by its black bill.
3. Barn Owl
Many ancient civilizations thought the owl to be a magical creature because of its nocturnal nature and unique appearance. The barn owl, with its one-of-a-kind heart shaped face, captures this uniqueness beautifully. In Indiana, the owl's population is threatened by the loss of its nesting sites in woods, grasslands, and pastures, and is therefore considered an animal protected from hunting.
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This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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