Permits to Poke Endangered Critters Open for Comments
Published Date: 12/4/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service got requests from scientists and groups who want special permits to help save endangered and threatened animals. They’re asking everyone—local communities, tribes, and the public—to share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, before deciding. These permits let researchers do important work to protect wildlife without breaking the law.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Recovery Permits Allow Otherwise Prohibited 'Take'
The Fish and Wildlife Service received applications under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act asking for recovery permits that would let applicants do activities normally prohibited as "take," such as pursuing, harassing, trapping, capturing, collecting, removing from Federal lands, holding in captivity, and captive-breeding listed wildlife and plant species for scientific research and recovery purposes.
Public Comment Period and Disclosure Risk
The Service invites local, State, Tribal, Federal agencies, and the public to submit written comments on these permit applications, with all comments due by January 5, 2026. Written comments become part of the administrative record and may be made publicly available, including any address, phone number, email, or other personal identifying information you include.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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