First Shark Species Protected Under the ESA

First Shark Species Protected Under the ESA

Many, if not most, of our large terrestrial predators – lions, tigers, bears, and wolves – have enjoyed Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for decades. It makes sense. People tend to persecute large predators based on exaggerated fear or because they are inconvenient. Large predators, or the products made out of them, are often also commercially valuable, so these animals are frequently targeted for exploitation. It’s clear that these species often need legal protection – from us.