The Clearlake Hitch is one step closer to being declared an endangered species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has reviewed the data and said declaring the Hitch a protected species is warranted. Habitat degradation has put the fish on the decline and federal support will go a long way to getting the fish protected. If the Clear Lake Hitch is added to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, USFWS will extend the protections to the Hitch under the Endangered Species Act, which will also protect the habitat the Hitch relies on.