Which statement about ownership of wildlife in the United States is accurate?

• A. The federal government
• B. The people
• C. Private corporations
• D. Local municipalities

Answer: (B)

Wildlife ownership in the United States is held as a public resource, with the government acting as a trustee for the people. This public-trust concept means that wild animals are not owned by individuals, private companies, or local governments; rather, they belong to the people as a whole and are managed by the state (and, in some cases, the federal government) to protect populations and ensure sustainable use. States regulate hunting, licensing, seasons, and bag limits to conserve wildlife for present and future generations, while the federal government has authority over certain species and lands, such as migratory birds and wildlife on federal properties. So, the accurate statement is that wildlife belongs to the people.