Fish and Wildlife Service Flags Seven Species for Review
Published Date: 7/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewed 10 species to see if they should be protected as endangered or threatened. They found 7 species might need protection and will study them more, while 3 species won’t be reviewed further. This process starts now and could lead to new protections that help wildlife and affect conservation efforts and funding over the next year.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 8 mixed.
Cascade red fox status review
If you live in Washington State (Cascade Mountains), the Fish and Wildlife Service began a status review for the Cascade red fox on July 14, 2026. The review may lead to a proposed listing and could affect conservation actions and funding over the next year; the Service requests scientific and commercial data to inform the review.
Diamondback terrapin status review
If you live on the Atlantic or Gulf coasts listed (MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, DE, MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TX), the Service began a status review for the diamondback terrapin on July 14, 2026. The petition cites drowning in crab pots and other threats; the review may lead to proposals that affect conservation efforts and funding over the next year, and the Service requests data to inform the review.
Goose Lake lamprey status review
The Service began a status review on July 14, 2026 for the Goose Lake lamprey, found in Lake County, Oregon and Modoc County, California. The petition cites habitat loss from agricultural water diversions and other threats; the review may lead to conservation proposals and funding changes over the next year.
Goose Lake sucker status review
The Service began a status review on July 14, 2026 for the Goose Lake sucker, found in Lake County, Oregon and Modoc County, California. The petition cites habitat loss from agricultural water diversions and other threats; the review may lead to conservation proposals and funding changes over the next year.
Goose Lake tui chub status review
The Service began a status review on July 14, 2026 for the Goose Lake tui chub, found in Lake County, Oregon and Modoc County, California. The petition cites habitat loss from agricultural water diversions and other threats; the review may lead to conservation proposals and funding changes over the next year.
Loopy five firefly status review
If you live in Georgia, South Carolina, or Tennessee, the Service began a status review for the loopy five firefly on July 14, 2026. The petition cites urban sprawl and light pollution among threats; the review may lead to conservation proposals and funding changes over the next year, and the Service requests data to inform the review.
Plains spotted skunk status review
If you live in the Great Plains states listed (AR, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, OK, SD, TX, WY), the Service began a status review for the plains spotted skunk on July 14, 2026. The petition presents new information that the skunk may be extirpated or in very low numbers in parts of Kansas and Nebraska; the review may lead to conservation proposals and funding changes over the next year.
Three petitions not advanced
On July 14, 2026 the Service found that petitions to list the Ellett Valley millipede, long-tailed macaque, and Louisiana black bear do not present substantial scientific or commercial information, and the Service is not initiating status reviews for those three petitions.
Public data and comment process
The Service requests scientific and commercial data for the seven species under review and directs submissions through regulations.gov or U.S. mail (see docket numbers). All submissions will be posted to regulations.gov (including personal information unless you request withholding). The findings were made on July 14, 2026.
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
2026-14195 — Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-12951 — Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of yearly rules, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years but still decide harvest levels annually. This new process saves time and money, helps States and Tribes, and kicks in August 25, 2026—unless big objections come in by July 27.
2026-12955 — Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of making new rules every year, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years, updating it sooner if needed. This will save time and money, help States, Tribes, and hunters, and keep bird populations safe.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14073 — Drug Establishment Registration and Drug Listing Requirements for Establishments Engaged in Distributed Manufacturing and Certain Foreign Establishments
The FDA wants to make it easier for drug makers who work in several locations to register as one company instead of many. They’re also updating rules for foreign drug companies to match new laws about handling health threats. If you’re in drug manufacturing, get ready to comment by September 11, 2026, and keep an eye on possible paperwork changes that could affect your business.
Next: 2026-14108 — Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a Helicopters
If you fly Leonardo AB139 or AW139 helicopters with a special stretcher, the FAA wants you to update your helicopter’s manual and put up new safety stickers. This is because the stretcher got a cool upgrade to make it stronger and safer. You’ve got until August 28, 2026, to share your thoughts, and these changes might cost a bit but keep everyone safer in the air!