00:0015 U.S. Animals You're Legally Forbidden to Touch
00:031. Manatees
00:06Manatees are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
00:11Touching, chasing, or approaching them can trigger fines from $500,000 to $50,000 and possible jail time.
00:172. Sea Turtles
00:19Sea Turtles are protected by the Endangered Species Act.
00:24Touching, harassing, or interfering with nests can result in fines up to $25,000 and one-year imprisonment.
00:313. Dolphins
00:33Dolphins are protected marine mammals.
00:37Feeding, touching, or swimming too close counts as harassment and can lead to fines up to $12,000 and criminal penalties.
00:454. Seals and Sea Lions
00:47Seals and Sea Lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
00:52Approaching, touching, or disturbing them can result in fines starting at $500.
00:595. Sea Otters
01:01Sea Otters are strictly protected.
01:04Touching, feeding, or pursuing them violates federal law with fines starting at $500 and increasing for repeat offenses.
01:126. Whales
01:14Whales are protected under multiple federal laws.
01:18Approaching too closely or disturbing them can lead to penalties ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
01:277. Bald Eagles
01:29Bald eagles are protected under federal law.
01:32Touching, disturbing, or possessing even a shed feather can result in fines from $5,000 to $100,000.
01:398. Golden Eagles
01:42Golden eagles receive the same protection as bald eagles.
01:46Touching, or possessing feathers or parts can trigger fines up to $10,000 and prison time.
01:539. Gray Wolves
01:55Gray wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
01:58Harassing, approaching, or capturing them can result in fines up to $50,000 and jail time.
02:0410. Grizzly Bears
02:06Grizzly Bears are federally protected.
02:10Touching, pursuing, or intentionally approaching them can lead to penalties of up to $50,000 and one year in prison.
02:1711. Florida Panthers
02:19Florida Panthers are critically protected.
02:22Any touching or harassment can result in fines up to $50,000 and up to one year in prison.
02:2912. Alligator Snapping Turtles
02:31Alligator snapping turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
02:37Harassing or capturing them can result in fines up to $50,000 and jail time.
02:4213. Burmese Pythons
02:45Burmese Pythons are invasive but federally regulated.
02:49Importation and interstate trade are illegal while handling rules vary by state, especially Florida.
02:5514. Migratory Birds
02:57Over 1,000 bird species are protected.
03:01Touching, possessing, or collecting feathers or parts can lead to fines up to $15,000 or felony charges.
03:0915. Other Marine Mammals
03:11Porpoises, seals, sea lions, and dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
03:1815. Harassment or close interaction can trigger fines or jail.
03:2116.
