There is a day every year that the US Fish and Wildlife Service has declared “Endangered Species Day.” This year, that day falls on May 15th. According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, the day is observed “in order to recognize the national conservation effort to protect our nation’s endangered species and their habitats.”
As residents of the beautiful state of Massachusetts, the Vargas and Vargas Insurance team is saddened to hear about endangered species in the US, and especially those in Massachusetts. Below is a list of the species in decline in our state, as well as a few suggestions of actions that we all could take to help these plants and animals.
Endangered Species in Massachusetts
Did you know that there are approximately 22 threatened and endangered species here in the state of Massachusetts? Here is the full list of threatened and endangered animals and plants, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service as of earlier this year:
- Northern long-eared Bat
- 3 species of Beetle
- Piping Plover
- 6 species of Turtle
- Shortnose Sturgeon
- Roseate Tern
- Dwarf Wedgemussel
- 5 species of Whale
- 3 Plant Species
In addition to the listed species, there are other species here in Massachusetts that are declining in population, like the New England Cottontail, which has disappeared from 86 percent of its historical range in the last several decades.
What Can You Do to Help?
The Endangered Species Coalition has a list of 10 easy things that you can do to help endangered species. Their list includes suggestions like:
- Learning about your local endangered species
- Visiting a wildlife refuge or national park
- Making your home wildlife friendly
- Buying and recycling sustainable products
If every person were to take a few steps to make the world a little bit friendlier for endangered species, we could protect these animals and plants that are threatened or endangered. You don’t have to go far – there are things that you can do right in your community!
Endangered Species Day Events
There are events being planned for Endangered Species Day across the country. Here in the Greater Boston Area, there are three big events going on! The first two events will be on May 16th – one at the Stone Zoo (149 Pond Street in Stoneham) at 10 am and the other at Franklin Park Zoo (1 Franklin Park Road in Boston) at 11 am.
If you are busy on May 16th, but would like to attend an event, you’re in luck! Mark your calendar for World Oceans Day at the New England Aquarium at 11 am on June 7th.
What other ways will you and your family be celebrating this summer? Stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog for Memorial Day and Fourth of July tips and tricks in just a few short weeks. And remember, there is always someone here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency to help you with all of your insurance questions and concerns – just call 617-298-0655 to talk to a Massachusetts insurance professional!
