Mammals
Healthy populations of several large mammals occur in Maine. Maine's black bear population is estimated at 20,000, with hunters harvesting about 2,000 bears annually. The moose population (about 25,000) is increasing despite a limited hunting program. White-tailed deer populations are estimated at 234,000, although the habitat can support more deer: Hunters registered over 27,400 deer kills during the various bow-hunting, muzzle-loading and regular firearm seasons in 1993.
Fish
Improved water quality in our larger rivers over the last 25 years has led to restoration of fisheries resources and active management programs for inland as well as anadromous species, like the Atlantic Salmon. The introduction and spread of non-native species into Maine waters increases predation upon native species and leads to severe competition for food and space. Illegal introductions include muskellunge into lakes and ponds in the upper St. John River basin, northern pike into the Belgrade Lakes, and white perch and smallmouth bass which threaten the landlocked salmon and trout populations of Moosehead Lake. The potential for transferring devastating fish diseases and parasites, coupled with the threats to native populations has led Maine to adopt strict importation regulations for illegal introductions.
Habitat protection is the most critical need of endangered
and threatened species. Maine has designated "essential habitats"
for several species. Currently 244 bald eagle nesting sites and
34 roseate tern nesting areas are included in this program.
Freshwater mussels are among the most sensitive indicators of
water quality and ecosystem health because they take their
food directly from the water. If toxic substances are present,
they will accumulate in their body tissues. Two species of
freshwater mussels that occur in Maine, the Brook Floater
and the Yellow Lamp-Mussel, are candidates for federal
Endangered and Threatened Species status. Both species
are relatively secure in Maine and may represent the last
stronghold for these rare mussels.
Maine Endangered Species: Species in immediate danger
of extirpation or extermination
Bald Eagle -
Peregrine Falcon -
Golden Eagle -
Piping Plover -
Least Tern -
Roseate Tern -
Sedge Wren
Grasshopper Sparrow -
Box Turtle -
Black Racer
Maine Threatened Species: Species that will become
endangered if current population experiences further decline.
Tundra Peregrine Falcon -
Northern Bog Lemming -
Blanding’s Turtle -
Spotted Turtle
Challenges for the Future
Wildlife populations are tied to the
health and integrity of their habitats.
Ensuring significant wildlife habitats
maintain the characteristics that support
healthy, balanced and diverse wildlife
populations is crucial.
Bald eagles have been designated as
endangered in Maine since 1978. Eagle
reproduction remains 10-30% lower than
healthy populations elsewhere in the U.S.
Environmental contaminants such as DDE
(a by-product of DDT), PCBs and several
heavy metals, particularly mercury, stillhinder
the eagle population’s recovery in Maine by
affecting the hatching success of eggs. These
chemicals break down very slowly and because
eagles eat other fish-eating birds, they accumulate
contaminants. Like bald eagles, peregrine falcons
were victimized by the effects of DDT in the environment.
A reintroduction program, begun in 1984, boasted 3
successful peregrine pairs and 8 progeny in 1994.