SUBCHAPTER 10I ‑ ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES

SECTION .0100 - ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES

15A NCAC 10I .0101 DEFINITIONS AND PROCEDURES

History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑132; 113‑134; 113‑331; 113‑333; 113‑334; 113‑336; 143‑239;

Eff. June 11, 1977;

Amended Eff. August 1, 1988;

RRC Objection due to lack of statutory authority Eff. August 18, 1994;

Amended Eff. October 1, 1994;

Repealed Eff. April 1, 1997.

15A NCAC 10I .0102 PROTECTION OF endangered, threatened, and special CONCERN SPECIES

(a) There is no open season for taking the species listed in Rules .0103, .0104, or .0105 of this Section, except for the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) as set forth in 15A NCAC 10B .0224.

(b) Except as provided in Paragraphs (d) and (h) of this Rule, there is no purchase, sale, or take of the species listed in Rules .0103, .0104, or .0105 of this Section.

(c) Take of federally listed endangered and threatened fish and wildlife species requires a federal permit, as specified in 50 C.F.R Chapter 1, Subchapter B, hereby incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and additions, and a state endangered species permit, as specified in Paragraph (d) of this Rule. 50 C.F.R. is available free of charge at www.ecfr.gov.

(d) The Executive Director or his or her designee may issue endangered species permits to take, possess, sell, propagate, transport, import, export, transfer, barter, trade, or stock federally and state listed endangered, threatened, or special concern species to:

(1) an individual or institution conducting a scientific investigation for the perpetuation, restoration, or management of a species;

(2) a public or private educator or exhibitor who demonstrates that he or she has lawfully obtained the specimens in his or her possession, possesses the equipment and expertise to care for the specimens, and abides by applicable caging requirements for the species set forth in 15A NCAC 10H .1404;

(3) a person who lawfully possessed the species for 90 days immediately prior to the date that the species was listed and who abides by applicable caging requirements for the species set forth in 15A NCAC 10H .1404;

(4) a person with demonstrable depredation from a Special Concern Species, or American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis);

(5) a licensed falconer who meets the requirements of the rules in 15A NCAC 10H .0800;

(6) a retail or wholesale establishment whose primary function is providing scientific supplies, provided that:

(A) the specimens were lawfully obtained from captive populations or wild populations outside of North Carolina;

(B) the specimens are possessed in indoor facilities; and

(7) state and federal government agencies, corporate research entities, and research institutions within North Carolina provided that:

(A) the specimens are possessed in indoor facilities;

(B) safeguards are provided during transportation to prevent accidental escape of the specimens; and

(e) Additional permits or authorizations from the Commission shall be required for importation, exportation, propagation, transportation, stocking, and release of endangered, threatened, or special concern species.

(f) An individual may apply for an endangered species permit online at www.gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com by providing the following information:

(1) name, address, phone number, and email of the applicant;

(2) applicant's affiliation, if applicable;

(3) species name and quantity;

(4) proposed activities;

(5) map with specific location of activities identified, if applicable;

(6) the source of the specimens and documentation of lawful acquisition;

(7) caging or confinement plans for specimens, if applicable;

(8) qualifications and explanation of experience for anyone working with the species;

(9) research proposal, if applicable;

(10) proof that federal permits have been applied for or obtained, if applicable;

(11) plans for care of specimens and copy of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee permit, if applicable; and

(12) plans for final disposition of specimens.

(g) Endangered species permits shall not be transferrable by license holder or by site.

(h) The species listed in Rules .0103, .0104, and .0105 of this Section may be taken or possessed without a permit when:

(1) an individual takes the species in defense of his or her own life or the lives of others, as described in 15A NCAC 10B .0106.

(2) an individual has obtained a permit to take an American alligator in accordance with 15A NCAC 10B .0224.

(3) an individual possesses meat or other parts of American alligators that have been lawfully taken, possessed, or bought in a state where there is an open season for harvesting alligators and the products are marketed in packages or containers that are labeled to indicate the state in which the animals were taken and the identity, address, and lawful authority of the processor or distributor.

(4) an individual is taking or harassing a red wolf (Canis rufus) pursuant to the conditions in 50 C.F.R. 17.84(c), hereby incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions, available free of charge at www.ecfr.gov.

(5) an individual who meets the requirements of G.S. 113-261, who, when acting in the course of his or her official duties, takes, possesses, or transports endangered, threatened, or special concern species if the action is necessary to:

(A) aid a sick, injured, diseased, or orphaned specimen;

(B) dispose of a dead specimen;

(D) remove specimens that constitute a demonstrable but nonimmediate threat to human safety and release the specimen unharmed, in a habitat that is suitable for survival.

(i) Take, possession, sale, propagation, transportation, importation, exportation, transfer, barter, trade, or stocking of endangered, threatened, or special concern species under Paragraphs (d) and (h) of this Rule is subject to federal reporting requirements, and reporting requirements of the endangered species permit.

History Note: Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-291.2; 113-291.3; 113-292; 113-333; 113-337;

Eff. June 11, 1977;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2013; January 1, 2012; May 1, 2009; April 1, 2003; April 1, 2001; April 1, 1997; February 1, 1994; September 1, 1989; March 1, 1981; March 17, 1978.

Temporary Amendment Eff. February 27, 2015;

Amended Eff. February 1, 2023; July 1, 2016;

Readopted Eff. October 1, 2024.

15A NCAC 10I .0103 ENDANGERED SPECIES LISTED

(a) The following species of resident wildlife shall be designated as federally listed endangered species:

(1) Amphibians: None listed.

(2) Birds:

(A) Bachman's warbler (Vermivora bachmanii);

(B) Ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis);

(D) Red‑cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis); and

(E) Roseate tern (Sterna dougallii dougallii).

(3) Crustacea: None listed.

(4) Fish:

(A) Cape Fear shiner (Miniellus mekistocholas);

(B) Carolina madtom (Noturus furiosus);

(D) Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum), when found in inland fishing waters as defined in G.S. 113-129(9); and

(E) Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus), when found in inland fishing waters as defined in G.S. 113-129(9).

(5) Mammals:

(A) Carolina northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus);

(B) Eastern cougar (Puma concolor);

(D) Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis);

(E) Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis); and

(F) Virginia big‑eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus).

(6) Mollusks:

(A) Appalachian elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana);

(B) Carolina heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata);

(D) James spinymussel (Parvaspina collina);

(E) Littlewing pearlymussel (Pegias fabula);

(F) Tan riffleshell (Epioblasma florentina walkeri); and

(G) Tar River spinymussel (Parvaspina steinstansana).

(7) Reptiles:

(A) Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii);

(B) Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata); and

(b) The following species of resident wildlife shall be designated as State-listed endangered species:

(1) Amphibians:

(A) Gopher frog (Rana [=Lithobates] capito);

(B) Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander (Aneides caryaensis);

(D) River frog (Rana [=Lithobates] heckscheri).

(2) Birds:

(A) American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum);

(B) Common tern (Sterna hirundo);

(D) Wayne's black-throated green warbler (Setophaga virens waynei).

(3) Crustacea:

(A) Bennett's Mill cave water slater (Caecidotea carolinensis); and

(B) Waccamaw crayfish (Procambarus braswelli).

(4) Fish:

(A) Blotchside logperch (Percina burtoni);

(B) Bridle shiner (Notropis bifrenatus);

(D) Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula);

(E) Robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum);

(F) Rustyside sucker (Thoburnia hamiltoni);

(G) Sharpnose darter (Percina oxyrhynchus); and

(H) Stonecat (Noturus flavus).

(5) Mammals:

(A) Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus); and

(B) Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus).

(6) Mollusks:

(A) Barrel floater (Utterbackiana couperiana);

(B) Brook floater (Alasmidonta varicosa);

(D) Fragile glyph (Pilsbryna clingmani);

(E) Green floater (Lasmigona subviridis);

(F) Greenfield ramshorn (Helisoma eucosmium);

(G) Knotty elimia (Elimia christyi);

(H) Longsolid (Fusconaia subrotunda);

(I) Magnificent ramshorn (Planorbella magnifica);

(J) Purple wartyback (Cyclonaias tuberculata);

(K) Savannah lilliput (Toxolasma pullus);

(L) Slippershell mussel (Alasmidonta viridis);

(M) Tennessee clubshell (Pleurobema oviforme);

(N) Tennessee heelsplitter (Lasmigona holstonia);

(O) Tennessee pigtoe (Pleuronaia barnesiana); and

(P) Yellow lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa).

(7) Reptiles:

(A) Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius fulvius);

(B) Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus); and

History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑134; 113‑333;

Eff. June 11, 1977;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2017; August 1, 2016; May 1, 2008; April 1, 2001; February 1, 1994; November 1, 1991; April 1, 1991; June 1, 1990;

Readopted Eff. October 1, 2021;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2024; February 1, 2023.

15A NCAC 10I .0104 THREATENED SPECIES LISTED

(a) The following species of resident wildlife shall be designated as federally listed threatened species:

(1) Amphibians: Neuse River waterdog (Necturus lewisi).

(2) Birds:

(A) Eastern black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis);

(B) Piping plover (Charadrius melodus melodus);

(D) Wood stork (Mycteria americana).

(3) Crustacea: None listed.

(4) Fish:

(A) Spotfin chub (Erimonax monachus); and

(B) Waccamaw silverside (Menidia extensa).

(5) Mammals: West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus), when found in inland fishing waters as defined in G.S. 113-129(9).

(6) Mollusks:

(A) Atlantic pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni);

(B) Longsolid (Fusconaia subrotunda);

(D) Yellow lance (Elliptio lanceolata).

(7) Reptiles:

(A) Bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii);

(B) American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis);

(D) Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).

(b) The following species of resident wildlife are designated as State listed threatened species:

(1) Amphibians:

(A) Eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum);

(B) Green salamander (Aneides aeneus);

(D) Eastern long-tailed salamander (Eurycea longicauda longicauda);

(E) Mabee's salamander (Ambystoma mabeei);

(F) Pine Barrens tree frog (Hyla andersonii); and

(G) Wehrle's salamander (Plethodon wehrlei).

(2) Birds:

(A) Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus);

(B) Black skimmer (Rynchops niger);

(D) Gull‑billed tern (Gelochelidon nilotica aranea);

(E) Northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus); and

(F) Rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus).

(3) Crustacea:

(A) Broad River spiny crayfish (Cambarus spicatus);

(B) French Broad crayfish (Cambarus reburrus);

(D) Sandhills crayfish (Procambarus pearsei); and

(E) South Mountains crayfish (Cambarus franklini).

(4) Fish:

(A) Bigeye jumprock (Moxostoma ariommum);

(B) Blotched chub (Erimystax insignis);

(D) Carolina redhorse (Moxostoma sp.);

(E) Ironcolor shiner (Alburnops chalybaeus);

(F) Least brook lamprey (Lampetra aepyptera);

(G) Logperch (Percina caprodes);

(H) Mimic shiner (Paranotropis volucellus);

(I) Rosyface chub (Hybopsis rubrifrons);

(J) Sharphead darter (Nothonotus acuticeps);

(K) Santee chub (Cyprinella zanema);

(L) Sicklefin redhorse (Moxostoma sp.);

(M) Thicklip chub (Cyprinella labrosa);

(N) Turquoise darter (Etheostoma inscriptum); and

(O) Waccamaw darter (Etheostoma perlongum).

(5) Mammals:

(A) Eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana floridana);

(B) Rafinesque's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii rafinesquii); and

(6) Mollusks:

(A) Alewife floater (Utterbackiana implicata);

(B) Big‑tooth covert (Fumonelix jonesiana);

(D) Eastern lampmussel (Lampsilis radiata);

(E) Eastern pondmussel (Sagittunio nasutus);

(F) Engraved covert (Fumonelix orestes);

(G) Mountain creekshell (Leaunio vanuxemensis);

(H) Notched rainbow (Venustaconcha constricta);

(I) Rainbow (Cambarunio iris);

(J) Roan supercoil (Paravitrea varidens);

(K) Sculpted supercoil (Paravitrea ternaria);

(L) Smoky Mountain covert (Inflectarius ferrissi);

(M) Creeper (Strophitus undulatus);

(N) Tidewater mucket (Atlanticoncha ochracea);

(O) Triangle floater (Alasmidonta undulata); and

(P) Waccamaw ambersnail (Catinella waccamawensis).

(7) Reptiles:

(A) Northern pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus); and

(B) Southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus).

History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑134; 113‑333;

Eff. March 17, 1978;

Amended Eff. June 1, 2008; April 1, 2001; November 1, 1991; April 1, 1991; June 1, 1990; September 1, 1989;

Temporary Amendment Eff. February 27, 2015;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2017; July 1, 2016; August 1, 2016;

Readopted Eff. October 1, 2021;

Amended Eff October 1, 2024; February 1, 2023.

15A NCAC 10I .0105 SPECIAL CONCERN SPECIES LISTED

The following species of resident wildlife shall be designated as State listed special concern species:

(1) Amphibians:

(a) Collinses' mountain chorus frog (Pseudacris collinsorum);

(b) Crevice salamander (Plethodon longicrus);

(d) Dwarf black-bellied salamander (Desmognathus folkertsi);

(e) Eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis);

(f) Four‑toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum);

(g) Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor);

(h) Mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum);

(i) Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus);

(j) Southern chorus frog (Pseudacris nigrita);

(k) Southern zigzag salamander (Plethodon ventralis); and

(l) Weller's salamander (Plethodon welleri).

(2) Birds:

(a) American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus);

(b) Bachman's sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis);

(d) Black‑capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus);

(e) Brown creeper (Certhia americana nigrescens);

(f) Cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea);

(g) Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus);

(h) Golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera);

(i) Least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis);

(j) Least tern (Sternula antillarum);

(k) Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea);

(l) Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus);

(m) Painted bunting (Passerina ciris);

(n) Red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra);

(o) Snowy egret (Egretta thula);

(p) Swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficatus);

(q) Tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor);

(r) Vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus); and

(s) Wilson's plover (Charadrius wilsonia).

(3) Crustacea:

(a) Carolina skistodiaptomus (Skistodiaptomus carolinensis);

(b) Carolina well diacyclops (Diacyclops jeannelli putei);

(d) Graceful clam shrimp (Lynceus gracilicornis);

(e) Greensboro burrowing crayfish (Cambarus catagius);

(f) Hiwassee headwaters crayfish (Cambarus parrishi);

(g) Little Tennessee River crayfish (Cambarus georgiae);

(h) North Carolina spiny crayfish (Faxonius carolinensis); and

(i) Oconee stream crayfish (Cambarus chaugaensis).

(4) Fish:

(a) American brook lamprey (Lethenteron appendix);

(b) "Atlantic" Highfin carpsucker (Carpiodes sp. cf. velifer);

(d) Blue Ridge sculpin (Cottus caeruleomentum);

(e) Blueside darter (Etheostoma jessiae);

(f) Broadtail madtom (Noturus sp.);

(g) Carolina darter (Etheostoma collis);

(h) Cutlip minnow (Exoglossum maxillingua);

(i) Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens);

(j) Kanawha minnow (Phenacobius teretulus);

(k) Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens);

(l) Least killifish (Heterandria formosa);

(m) Mooneye (Hiodon tergisus);

(n) Mountain madtom (Noturus eleutherus);

(o) Ohio lamprey (Ichthyomyzon bdellium);

(p) Olive darter (Percina squamata);

(q) Pinewoods darter (Etheostoma mariae);

(r) River carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio);

(s) Sandhills chub (Semotilus lumbee);

(t) Seagreen darter (Etheostoma thalassinum);

(u) Sickle darter (Percina williamsi);

(v) Smoky dace (Clinostomus sp.);

(w) Sooty-banded darter (Percina westfalli);

(x) Striped shiner (Luxilus chrysocephalus);

(y) Snubnose darter (Etheostoma simoterum);

(z) "Thinlip" chub (Cyprinella sp. cf. zanema);

(aa) Waccamaw killifish (Fundulus waccamensis);

(bb) Wounded darter (Nothonotus vulneratus); and

(cc) Yellowfin shiner (Hydrophlox lutipinnis).

(5) Mammals:

(a) Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister);

(b) Buxton Woods white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus buxtoni);

(d) Eastern big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii macrotis);

(e) Eastern small‑footed bat (Myotis leibii leibii);

(f) Florida yellow bat (Lasiurus intermedius floridanus);

(g) Southeastern bat (Myotis austroriparius);

(h) Southern rock vole (Microtus chrotorrhinus carolinensis); and

(i) Star‑nosed mole (Condylura cristata parva).

(6) Mollusks:

(a) Appalachian gloss (Zonitoides patuloides);

(b) Bidentate dome (Ventridens coelaxis);

(d) Blackwater ancylid (Ferrissia hendersoni);

(e) Blue‑foot lancetooth (Haplotrema kendeighi);

(f) Cape Fear spike (Elliptio marsupiobesa);

(g) Clingman covert (Fumonelix wheatleyi clingmanicus);

(h) Dark glyph (Glyphyalinia junaluskana);

(i) Dwarf proud globe (Patera clarki clarki);

(j) Dwarf threetooth (Triodopsis fulciden);

(k) Fringed coil (Helicodiscus fimbriatus);

(l) Glossy supercoil (Paravitrea placentula);

(m) Great Smoky slitmouth (Stenotrema depilatum);

(n) High mountain supercoil (Paravitrea andrewsae);

(o) Honey glyph (Glyphyalinia vanattai);

(p) Lamellate supercoil (Paravitrea lamellidens);

(q) Mirey Ridge supercoil (Paravitrea clappi);

(r) Open supercoil (Paravitrea umbilicaris);

(s) Pink glyph (Glyphyalinia pentadelphia);

(t) Pink heelsplitter (Potamilus alatus);

(u) Pod lance (Elliptio folliculata);

(v) Queen crater (Appalachina chilhoweensis);

(w) Ramp Cove supercoil (Paravitrea lacteodens);

(x) Ridged lioplax (Lioplax subcarinata);

(y) Roanoke slabshell (Elliptio roanokensis);

(z) Saw‑tooth disc (Discus bryanti);

(aa) Seep mudalia (Leptoxis dilatata);

(bb) Spike (Eurynia dilatata);

(cc) Spiral coil (Helicodiscus bonamicus);

(dd) Velvet covert (Inflectarius subpalliatus);

(ee) Waccamaw amnicola (Amnicola sp.);

(ff) Waccamaw siltsnail (Cincinnatia sp.); and

(gg) Wavy‑rayed lampmussel (Lampsilis fasciola).

(7) Reptiles:

(a) Carolina pigmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius miliarius);

(b) Carolina swamp snake (Liodytes pygaea paludis);

(d) Cumberland slider (Trachemys scripta troostii);

(e) Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin);

(f) Eastern chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia reticularia);

(g) Eastern coachwhip (Coluber [=Masticophis] flagellum flagellum);

(h) Eastern slender glass lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus);

(i) Eastern spiny softshell (Apalone spinifera spinifera);

(j) Northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica);

(k) Outer Banks kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula sticticeps);

(l) Stripeneck musk turtle (Sternotherus peltifer); and

(m) Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus).

History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑134; 113‑333;

Eff. September 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2017; August 1, 2016; May 1, 2008; July 18, 2002; April 1, 2001; November 1, 1991; April 1, 1991; June 1, 1990;

Readopted Eff. October 1, 2021;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2024; February 1, 2023.