Within the last year, over 21 species have been declared extinct within the U.S., which were confirmed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some of these species included endangered animals such as the Mariana Fruit Bat of Guam or the San Marcos Gambusia, a one-inch long fish from Texas. But what classifies an animal as endangered? A form of organism that faces extinction is referred to as an endangered species. But loss of habitat, genetic variation, and vulnerability have been reasons why animals drop from endangered to extinct. And unfortunately humans can contribute to all three of them. The constant building of corporations in jungle and forest areas takes away lot of habitat from these animals. Wildfires also decrease habitats by charring all of the natural resources provided in these areas. As for genetic variation and vulnerability, overhunting can be a contributor to the lack of certain species. Overhunting can count for both sea life and mammals since hunting tends to be a large pastime, especially in more Southern states. This is why scientists have been trying to speak about the things that we can prevent, like using fire safely and fishing only what you need.