Image
gray wolf walking with paw raised and looking at camera
Olympia, WA

Washington State 2025 Wolf Count Increases, Depredations Decrease

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife today released the state’s 2025 minimum count for gray wolves at 270 individuals, a 17% increase from 2024
Image
gray wolf
Salem, OR

Oregon Releases 2025 Annual Wolf Count, Numbers Up

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife today issued its 2025 gray wolf annual report, announcing an increase in the wolf population for a new
Image
Offshore Oil Rig
Washington D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Challenges Unprecedented “God Squad” Exemption Allowing Unchecked Gulf Oil Drilling

Defenders of Wildlife today announced it is taking legal action to overturn an unprecedented and unlawful decision by the Endangered Species Committee, known as the “God Squad,” to exempt federal authorizations of oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico through a blanket exemption from the Endangered Species Act’s protections.

Press Releases

Image
Advocating for Biodiversity
Washington, DC

Hundreds of State Legislators Join Defenders of Wildlife in Calling for a National Biodiversity Strategy

Today, 365 legislators from 48 states and territories sent a letter to President Biden urging him to establish a national biodiversity strategy.
Image
Gray Wolf - Denali National Park - Alaska
McCall, Idaho

Defenders Criticizes Idaho Fish and Game Commission for Approving Lethal Wolf Control Funds

Defenders of Wildlife expressed disappointment in the Idaho Fish and Game Commission for authorizing $300,000 today for the Idaho Wolf Depredation Control Board to kill more wolves in areas where chronic livestock depredations have been reported or where ungulate populations are below management objectives.
Image
Red wolf staring straight on
Tyrrell County, NC

Defenders of Wildlife Announces Reward for Information on Slain Red Wolf

Defenders of Wildlife announced a reward of $2,500 for information that leads to the successful prosecution of the individual(s) responsible for illegally killing a critically-endangered Red Wolf on April 15.
Image
Cook Inlet beluga whale looking above water
Anchorage, AK

Defenders of Wildlife Applauds Cancellation of Cook Inlet Oil Lease Sale

Defenders of Wildlife applauded the Department of Interior’s announcement that it will not proceed with three planned oil lease sales in Alaska’s Cook Inlet and
Image
Endangered Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus), Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
Orlando, Fla.

Lawsuit: EPA Must Protect Manatees from Water Pollution

Three conservation groups sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today for failing to protect manatees and sea turtles from water pollution in Florida.
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