For Immediate Release

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 5, 2017) – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released its long overdue final recovery plan for the giant garter snake.

Kim Delfino, Defenders of Wildlife’s California program director, issued the following statement:

“The giant garter snake and other imperiled species in California’s Central Valley have faced prolonged droughts and massive habitat loss from urban and agricultural development. We are very pleased that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has finally produced a plan to recover the threatened snake.

“The recovery plan will provide a roadmap that everyone can follow as we work to safeguard the giant garter snake throughout its historic range and restore its important wetland habitat.”

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

News

green sea turtle
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Trump Administration Calls on “God Squad” to Weaken Endangered Species Act Protections

The Trump administration today announced its intent to convene the Endangered Species Committee — colloquially known as the “God Squad”— on March 31, 2026, to consider an exemption under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for oil and gas-related activities in the Gulf of Mexico.
Washington monument - cherry blossoms
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Unveils 2025 Conservation Report Card for 119th Congress

Defenders of Wildlife today released its 2025 Conservation Report Card for the 119th Congress, measuring members’ commitment to upholding federal laws that protect wildlife conservation during its first session.
Visit the newsroom