Under the Endangered Species Act, it is a violation to use a pesticide in any manner that may do what?

• A. Kill or harm an endangered species or adversely modify its habitat
• B. Decrease crop yields
• C. Pollute water resources
• D. Cause soil erosion

Answer: (A)

Under the Endangered Species Act, protecting listed species and the places they need to live is the priority. A pesticide use becomes a violation when it directly kills or harms an endangered or threatened species or when it adversely modifies the habitat that species relies on. This includes changes to the environment that reduce the species’ chances of survival or recovery, not just immediate toxicity. The other options describe potential regulatory concerns or consequences of pesticide use, but they do not capture the specific prohibition of harming listed species or their habitat under the ESA.