The US government’s war on wildlife, explained in 3 charts

An obscure branch of the federal government exterminated nearly 2 million wild animals last year using various methods like firearms, poisons, and traps. The killings were carried out by the Wildlife Services department of the US Department of Agriculture and included over 2,000 green iguanas, almost 1,700 red-tailed hawks, and 614 armadillos. Shockingly, even a protected golden eagle was accidentally killed.

The Wildlife Services department eliminates animals for reasons ranging from inconvenience to human safety. While some killings may seem logical, like protecting endangered species or preventing bird strikes at airports, the majority are aimed at animals conflicting with animal agriculture. Four species—coyotes, European starlings, feral hogs, and pigeons—accounted for over 75% of the killings due to their impact on livestock farming.

The agency’s focus on protecting the meat and dairy industries by eliminating predators that threaten livestock has drawn criticism. The vast lands used for meat production often lead wild animals into conflict with livestock, resulting in their deaths. The clearing of wildlife habitats for agriculture has increased the need for government intervention to protect livestock interests.

While Wildlife Services has taken steps to reduce lethal actions and implement nonlethal methods to deter wildlife, critics believe more needs to be done. The agency’s efforts to safeguard livestock are seen as a major threat to America’s wildlife, highlighting the environmental consequences of meat and dairy production.