Like many states, Delaware is home its fair share of wildlife. Approximately 90 percent of the state's 800 species are designated as nongame, meaning they
cannot be hunted, according to the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife. In addition, Delaware has several areas that are designated as habitats where hunting and fishing cannot take place.
Here is a look at several animals that Delaware deems as being off limits for hunting.
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1. Bald Eagle: Endangered Species
The bald eagle has a long connection with the United States as a national symbol. Bald eagles are part of the Accipitridae family, a large group of large birds that also includes vultures, kites, and hawks. Although found in many places in the United States, the bald eagle that is part of the endangered species program in Delaware is the Haliaeetus leucocephalus alascanus, which is commonly known as the northern bald eagle. A migratory bird that flies as far south as Mexico, some bald eagles make their home in Delaware year-round.
2. Broad-winged Hawk: Endangered Species
Although still considered an endangered species, the broad-winged hawk numbers have been
increasing in recent years, according to the National Audubon Society. The broad-winged hawk habitat is in wooded areas in the United States, including Delaware. The broad-winged hawk is also a migratory bird and has been known to fly as far south as South America.
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3. Delmarva Fox Squirrel: Endangered Species
Common to the Delmarva Peninsula, which includes parts of the states of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, the Delmarva Fox Squirrel remains an
endangered mammal, according to Chesapeake Bay Project. The Delmarva Fox Squirrel is a large gray squirrel that can grow as long as 15 inches from nose to tail. It is common to quiet forests, but is found in urban environments as well. The squirrel are now found in all parts of Delaware and its range goes from southern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
4. Other Endangered Species
There are many different animals that are included on Delaware's list of endangered species. In addition to amphibians, fish, insects, mollusks and reptiles, there are a number of other birds as well. These include the pied-billed grebe, Cooper's hawk, short-eared owl, brown creeper, American oystercatcher, and red-headed woodpecker.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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