Missouri Ecological Services Field Office

Report Poaching or Other Illegal Activities with Wildlife

If you witness a natural resource violation, report it immediately. If you witness or suspect wildlife poaching in Missouri, you can report it through the Operation Game Thief (OGT) program, which is run by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

1-800-392-1111 When you call, you will be asked simple questions to aid agents in their investigation such as Nature of suspected illegal activity, Date and time of violation, Suspect’s identity, if known, and Description of the suspect and vehicle

Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

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, do not handle; the best option is to leave the bat alone or find a bat rehabilitation specialist. 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. 

Call the nearest licensed wildlife rehab center and follow their guidance

Raptors: Raptor Rehabilitation Project – College of Veterinary Medicine

Concerns about development 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 Missouri has enacted laws that give the Missouri 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.

Your local government such as the Missouri Public Service Commission, Missouri House of Representatives, or your local county officials

Concerns about impacts to Eagles or near eagle nests 

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.

USFWS Migratory Bird Program Midwest: PermitsR3MB@fws.gov

Nuisance Wildlife, Wildlife Depredations (e.g., crop or livestock damage)

Wildlife enriches our lives in many ways, but sometimes it can cause property damage or become a nuisance. Fortunately, you can resolve the majority of these conflicts on your property. The Wildlife Code of Missouri’s provisions protect all the state’s wildlife. However, the Code provides for the taking of wildlife during prescribed hunting and trapping seasons, and also when wildlife is causing damage to property [3 CSR 10-4.130 Owner May Protect Property; Public Safety]. Note: Wildlife you may not shoot or trap under this provision are migratory birds, white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, turkeys, black bears, mountain lions, and any threatened or endangered species. For more information visit the Missouri Department of Conservation

For conflicts with these species, contact your local county conservation agent or nearest MDC office

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. 

Missouri PFW Erin Holmes; 573-777-2163
Erin_L_Holmes@fws.gov