Michigan Ecological Services Field Office

Need help with a wildlife issue?

Our main roles include helping others plan projects and address compliance with Federal wildlife laws (e.g., U.S. Endangered Species Act).We also work to address environmental contaminants, recover endangered species, and implement the Service’s Coastal Program.

Before contacting our office, please review the common topics below that are actually best addressed by others.Connecting with the right agency or organization directly will save you time and more thoroughly address your questions.

To Report Poaching or Other Illegal Activities with Wildlife:

If you witness a natural resource violation, report it immediately. You can do this by texting or calling 800-292-7800: phone lines are open 24/7 to reach Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Law Enforcement. 

Best Contact: MDNR Phone: 800-292-7800 (call or text)

Injured or Orphaned Wildlife:

From MDNR : “The best thing you can do to help, however, is to leave the animal alone. Many animals will hide their young for safety, and they will return. The majority of the time these wild animals do not need our help and it is best for wildlife to remain in the wild.

If you believe the parent is dead or the animal is injured, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing an animal from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.” Please note for bats, because of the potential disease risks, the best option is to leave the bat alone (i.e., they may not be taken to a rehabilitator).

Under the Migratory Bird regulations, there is a Good Samaritan provision (50 CFR 21.31(a)) that allows any person who finds a sick, injured, or orphaned migratory bird to immediately transport it to a permitted rehabilitator. 

Best Contact: MDNR’s Directory of Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators, to find your local rehabilitator

Concerns about developments or land-use changes?

We understand that people care about wildlife habitat and are often curious if Federal protections for species like endangered wildlife, bald eagles, or migratory birds might stop or delay a development or other type of project.However, federal laws such as the Endangered Species Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act include options for permits or other authorizations that can allow projects to move forward, even when protected species may be present.

In many cases, project planners also take steps to avoid or minimize impacts to protected wildlife and plants, which can reduce or eliminate the need for permits.

Ultimately, it’s the responsibility of the project proponent to ensure they’re complying with all applicable laws.

Concerns about development or land use are generally best handled by local governments (like your city, township, or county), which have the authority to regulate how land is used.Additionally, the State of Michigan has enacted laws that give the Michigan Public Service Commission a role in the siting approvals for some forms of infrastructure such as energy transmission, renewable energy development (commercial wind and solar energy), telecommunications, and certain utility services.

Best Contacts: Your local government (County, Township, City, or State Government legislators)

Concerns about activities near eagle nests; Eagle Nest Camera Questions:

We appreciate how deeply people care about bald eagles. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act provides a level of protection to eagles and their nests. The Eagle Act, however, does not provide a blanket prohibition of all activities. Our Migratory Bird division implements a permit program that balances proposed development with our desire to ensure bald eagles are able to thrive in a modern landscape.If you have questions about eagle permits or protections under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, you can contact the USFWS Migratory Bird Program.

We also recognize that as a recovered species, we need to respect natural processes. The Service will not issue a permit that authorizes interference with the natural course of events at the eagle nest. Eagle nestlings do not always survive. Adults may also be injured in territorial disputes with other eagles or by other natural factors. If the web camera operators do not want to expose the public to these types of natural occurrences, they can discontinue the live video feed.

Best Contact: USFWS Migratory Bird Program Midwest: PermitsR3MB@fws.gov

Nuisance Wildlife, Wildlife Depredations (e.g., crop damage):

For questions about addressing migratory birds or other wildlife that are causing a nuisance or crop damage, we recommend contacting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services.Wildlife Services leads our nation’s efforts to manage conflicts between people and wildlife so they can coexist.They can provide guidance and resources for landowners with issues such as nuisance Canada geese, mute swans, wildlife crop damage, etc.   

Best Contact: USDA Wildlife Services, Michigan State Wildlife Office Email:  mi.goose.permits@usda.gov; 517-336-1928

Additional Contacts: MDNR Nuisance Animal Control Directory

Removal of Bats in Structures        

The Michigan DNR has a specific permit application for those looking to exclude or remove bats from structures in defense of human life or to protect human health.

Best Contact: MIDNR’s Removal Of Bats In Structures Application & Permit

Concerns about Wetland Permits/Impacts:

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Water Resource Division (EGLE-WRD) is the best place to start with concerns related to wetland impacts and necessary permitting. Please contact the EGLE-WRD staff that cover the county where the wetlands you are concerned about occur (link below provides maps and assigned WRD staff contacts).   

Best Contact: EGLE-WRD Staff 

Assistance for Private Landowners interested in Creating Wildlife Habitat:

The Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land.   In targeted Great lakes coastal areas, our Coastal Program provides resources for restoring and protecting fish and wildlife habitat on public and privately-owned lands. Please visit our Coastal Program webpage for more information.    Please contact the USFWS Michigan Private Lands office for more information about the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.

Best Contact: 517-351-6236 or email: meredith_holm@fws.gov

Michigan Ecological Services Field Office Staff

If you need assistance with an Endangered Species Act section 7 consultation or technical assistance for a project you are planning, please screen your project using our All-Species Determination key (Dkey). If you need additional assistance, you can reach out to our office (please include the Project Code and a copy of your Dkey letter in your email).Instructions on how to use our Dkey are here:

https://www.fws.gov/media/mifo-ipac-instructions

https://www.fws.gov/media/quick-sheet-using-ipac-endangered-species-act-review-when-applying-wetland-permit-michigan