Endangered species act as fire alarms that tell us about problems with our environment. If we listen to their calls for help, we can improve our lives and planet's health. Endangered species indicate that our world may not be as healthy as we think and show the connections between all living things, including humans. Protecting endangered plants and animals under the Endangered Species Act helps preserve biodiversity for the future.

1. Endangered Means There’s Still TimeEndangered species are like fire alarms. They tell us about problems in our home we call Earth. If we listen to their alarm calls, they could help us improve our lives and the health of our planet.

2. DefinitionsEndangeredA species of plant or animal that is in immediate danger of becoming extinct and needs protection to survive.

3. EndangeredGray wolves are endangered in most of the lower 48 states.

4. Ways That Species Become EndangeredHabitat lossUnregulated or illegal killing or collectionPesticides, pollutionCompetition with other speciesDiseasePredation

5. DefinitionsHabitatThe natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

6. HabitatIt is because of habitat loss that prairie dogs are threatened.

7. HabitatHumans have settled on land Prairie dogs lived.Prairie dogs were considered pests by the settlersThousands of prairie dog towns were killed off

8. HabitatBlue WhaleBecause of hunting there are less than 12,000 blue whales left worldwide.

9. HabitatBald EagleFarmers use dangerous pesticides called DDT, causing bald eagles to begin laying eggs with shells so thin they often break.

10. Endangered Means There’s Still TimeAn endangered species is one that is getting close to extinction if we don't help.Otter

11. DefinitionsExtinctA species of plant or animal that is no longer living.Dodo Bird

12. What other animals can you think about that are extinct?

13. Endangered Means There’s Still TimeAll living things are connected to each other including humans.

14. Endangered Means There’s Still TimeEndangered species show us that our world may not be as healthy as we think.

15. In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was passed by our government to protect disappearing plants and animals.

16. More than 900 species of plants and animals in the U.S., and more than 530 species living in other parts of the world, are protected by the Endangered Species Act.

17. According to the Act, it is illegal to import, export, or sell animals and plants on the list across state lines.

18. What can you do to help endangered species?

19. Learn as much as you can about endangered species in your areaVisit a nearby national wildlife refuge or nature centerVolunteer to helpDon’t buy species illegally taken from the wildDon’t buy products made from threatened or endangered species.

20. The most hope for endangered species lies in the hands of young people like you who care enough to make a difference.