In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, three different state agencies are resposible for overseeing species of special concern.

PA Fish and Boat Commission
Some wildlife species fall under the regulatory jurisdiction and protection of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. These are fish, reptiles, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates and freshwater mussels. The first role that the PFBC plays with these species is a legal one. Section 2305 of the Fish and Boat Code states, "the executive director shall establish a Pennsylvania Threatened Species List and a Pennsylvania Endangered Species list." They are responsible for taking actions that assist in the enforcement of this law. Section 2305 also states that the PCBC "may promulgate rules and regulations governing the catching, taking, killing, importation, introduction, transportation, removal, possession, selling, offering for sale or purchasing of threatened and endangered species."

PA Game Commission
Other wildlife species fall under the regulatory jurisdiction and protection of the Game Commission. The PGC "is committed to determining the general status of all birds and mammals native to Pennsylvania and to protecting, maintaining, and, where possible, enhancing those species determined to be threatened or endangered in Pennsylvania. It is committed to maintaining the current diversity of birds and mammals native to Pennsylvania.

PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
Additional wildlife species fall under the regulatory jurisdiction and protection of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The DCNR is responsible for endangered plants and terrestrial invertebrates.

Federal Designation
There is a difference from being a Pennsylvania endangered or threatened species and being a federally endangered or threatened species. Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, up for reauthorization by Congress this year, works on a broader level. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who is has jurisdiction over federally endangered and threatened species, won't put a species on the list if it is rare in PA, but common in other states. Species designated as being federally endangered are ones which are in trouble across the country.

There are five reasons for which a species may be listed:
1. current or threatened destruction of habitat
2. overuse of species by humans
3. disease or over-predation
4. ineffective regulatory mechanisms
5. other natural or manmade factors affecting the species chances of survival

State listing of wildlife status is concerned with those organisms within state borders, and although a species may not receive federal designation, its status in Pennsylvania is very valuable within the state.