Washington, DC

Statement from Former President and CEO Jamie Rappaport Clark, Defenders of Wildlife: 

“Thank you to the Biden administration and Interior Secretary Haaland for seeing through this scientifically and legally indefensible leasing scam. These lands are sacred for Indigenous people and vital to the future of the threatened Southern Beaufort Sea population of polar bears and numerous other species that depend on this refuge for their survival. Ultimately, the administration should void these illegal leases and Congress must act to permanently protect our irreplaceable Arctic National Wildlife Refuge."

 


 

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

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Southern Sea Otter on its Back with Tag on its Foot
Olympia, WA

Defenders Offers Reward for Information on Sea Otter Poaching

The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed that a federally protected sea otter was illegally tortured and killed in February 2025. Both FWS and Defenders
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gray wolf
Washington, D.C.

Assault on Endangered Species Protections Continues with New Bill to Delist Gray Wolves

Defenders of Wildlife is sounding the alarm over the latest congressional attack on gray wolves following the introduction of the Pacific Northwest Gray Wolves Relief