Comment Now: Permits to Tinker with Endangered Animals Sought
Published Date: 2/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking for public comments on permit applications to work with endangered foreign species. These permits are needed because the law usually bans activities with these animals unless approved. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until March 26, 2026, to speak up—so don’t miss your chance to help protect these rare creatures!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Sea turtle research import request
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley applied (Permit No. PER21497763) to import samples from four endangered sea turtle species — green, leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead — for scientific research. The application requests authorization for activities to be conducted over a 5-year period.
Zoo exports captive-bred crocodiles
St. Augustine Alligator Farm (Permit Nos. PER21244411 and PER21394921) requested permits to export captive-bred African slender-snouted crocodiles: one male and one female to Selwo Aventura, Spain, and one male to Biotropica Zoological Conservancy, France. Each notification is for a single export to enhance propagation or survival of the species.
Sport-hunt trophy import requests
Nine named applicants requested permits to import sport-hunted trophies of male bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) culled from a captive herd in the Republic of South Africa for the purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of the species. Each request is for importing trophies under the ESA permit process.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10846 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is officially protecting over 1.5 million acres of land across six states to save the rusty patched bumble bee, a once-common pollinator now endangered. Starting July 1, 2026, this critical habitat designation will help keep these bees buzzing by limiting harmful activities in these areas. Landowners and communities in 33 counties should get ready for new rules that support bee recovery without heavy costs.
2026-08146 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Rayed Bean, Sheepnose, Snuffbox, and Spectaclecase Mussels
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is officially protecting over 3,800 river miles across 17 states as critical habitat for four endangered freshwater mussels: rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. This means these rivers will get special care to help these mussels survive and thrive. The new protections start May 27, 2026, and could affect activities near these waters, encouraging conservation efforts without heavy costs.
2026-05678 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for 22 Species in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territory of Guam
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to protect 22 special plants and animals in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands by marking nearly 60,000 acres as critical habitat. This means these areas will get extra care to help these species survive and thrive. People can share their thoughts by June 22, 2026, and an economic report is ready to show how this might affect local communities.
2026-11582 — Receipt of Enhancement of Survival Permit Application and Proposed Conservation Benefit Agreement for the Benefit of the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit in Washington; Categorical Exclusion
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife asked for a special permit to help protect the tiny Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit by working with landowners to improve its habitat. This plan aims to connect habitats and grow the rabbit’s population while giving landowners clear rules and support. The public can share their thoughts on this plan until July 10, 2026.
2026-11645 — Marine Mammals; Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for the Southern Beaufort Sea Stock of Polar Bears in the Prudhoe Bay Area of the North Slope Borough, Alaska; Draft Environmental Assessment
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering a request from BP to allow a small number of Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears to be disturbed (but not harmed) during cleanup and monitoring work near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, from June 2026 to May 2027. This plan aims to protect polar bears while letting BP do important environmental work. Public comments are open until July 10, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts!
2026-11609 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of Northeastern Bulrush From the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants
Great news! The northeastern bulrush, a special plant once in danger, is no longer considered endangered or threatened because its risks have dropped a lot. Starting July 10, 2026, it won’t need the extra protections it used to have, saving time and resources for everyone. This change helps focus efforts where they’re needed most while celebrating a win for nature lovers and scientists alike!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03680 — Certain Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Products from Taiwan: Final Results of the Antidumping Duty Administrative Review: 2023-2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce reviewed solar panel products from Taiwan made by EEPV Corp. and found they didn’t sell them for less than fair value from February 2023 to January 2024. This means no extra duties will be charged on their imports during this time. The final decision took a bit longer due to government delays but is now official as of February 24, 2026.
Next: 2026-03682 — Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 93, Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Alder SOL Holdings LLC dba StayOnline; (Power Cords); Henderson, North Carolina
Alder SOL Holdings LLC, also known as StayOnline, wants to make power cords and adapters in their Henderson, North Carolina facility under special Foreign-Trade Zone rules. This means they can use certain imported parts with lower or no import taxes, saving money and speeding up production. Public comments on this plan are open until April 6, 2026.