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brown bear
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Trump Administration Opens Door to Bear Baiting, Den Hunting in Alaska Preserves

The National Park Service finalized a regulation that abdicates the agency's responsibility to manage wildlife in Alaska's national preserves, deferring instead to state regulations. Defenders of Wildlife condemns the rule, which mirrors a 2020 regulation promulgated by the first Trump administration that was later withdrawn and replaced in 2024.
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Washington, DC

BLM Prepares Illegal Move to Open Ouray National Wildlife Refuge to Oil & Gas, a Dangerous Precedent for Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife is calling on BLM to withdrawal an unprecedented proposal to open Ouray National Wildlife Refuge in Utah to new oil and gas leasing.
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Jake Li Testimony at EPW
WASHINGTON, D.C.

A Much-Needed Win for Wildlife: Senate Introduces Bill to Improve Endangered Species Act Implementation

Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Pete Rickets (R-NE) today introduced the Improving Species Recovery Act, an important bipartisan bill that would improve implementation of the Endangered Species Act.

Press Releases

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Snow geese
Washington, DC

Communications Industry and Conservation Groups Jointly Propose to the FCC Interim Processing Standards for Communications Towers

In an unprecedented effort, communications industry and conservation organizations have collaborated in drafting recommendations designed to facilitate Federal Communications Commission (FCC) efforts to protect migratory birds while enhancing the nation’s vital communications infrastructure.
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Pacific walrus
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Launches Ad Campaign Directed at Discovery Communications Inc

Ads plastering the Silver Spring Metro Station unveiled today in second phase of campaign urging Discovery Communications Inc. to drop plans to broadcast "Sarah Palin's Alaska."
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Piping plover mom and chick
Washington, DC

Defenders' Response to Lieberman's Drilling Comments

Today, Sen. Joe Lieberman said provisions to expand offshore oil and gas drilling will remain in a draft Senate climate and energy bill he has coauthored with Sens. John Kerry and Lindsey Graham.
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Gray whale mom and calf California
Washington, DC

Defenders' statement on Gulf oil spill disaster

Oil from the BP Deepwater Horizon blowout has made landfall on the Gulf coast; it is expected to hit the Delta and Breton National Wildlife Refuges before reaching the mainland. The Department of Homeland Security has declared the Deepwater Horizon Gulf spill of "national significance" and multiple agencies are mobilizing to control the spread of oil.
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Single Joshua Tree at end of rainbow
Sacramento, CA

Feds say the Mohave ground squirrel may face extinction

The Mohave ground squirrel's survival is most threatened by loss of habitat due to urban and suburban sprawl, rural development, agriculture, military activities, livestock grazing and off-highway vehicle use.
Senior Vice President, External Affairs
lsheehan@defenders.org
(202) 772-3244
Communications Director
mdewane@defenders.org
(202) 772-0217
Communications Specialist
jcovey@defenders.org
Communications Specialist
kirby@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268
Communications Specialist
estern@defenders.org
202-772-0243