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Single manatee under water  swimming in the hot springs sanctuary in Florida
Washington, D.C.

Trump Administration Rescinds ‘Harm’ Definition, Defenders Prepares for Court

In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to death or injury of protected species is illegal.
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Black bears on rocks above Anan Creek Tongass NF
Raleigh, North Carolina

Defenders Celebrates North Carolina General Assembly’s Historic Investment in Wildlife Crossings with Recurring Multi-million-dollar Appropriation

North Carolina's $10.2M recurring investment for wildlife crossings is a historic win, protecting both motorists and vulnerable species like black bears and red wolves. The victory is part of a years-long effort from the Safe Passage Coalition.
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Sea otter with head poking above the water near kelp
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Urges Public Opposition to NOAA’s Planned Review That Could Weaken California’s Authority to Protect its Coastline

NOAA will review California's Coastal Management Program following a directive from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Defenders of Wildlife urges public participation in upcoming public meetings to protect California's coast, wildlife, and state authority.

Press Releases

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Joshua tree in front of wind farm - California Desert

Defenders of Wildlife Urges Action on California’s Clean Energy Goals

Recently, 55 environmental groups, including Defenders of Wildlife, sent a letter to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), urging them
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Spawning Sockeye Salmon - Aleknagik - Alaska
Anchorage, AK

Biden Administration to Protect Alaska’s Bristol Bay from Mining

The Biden administration today announced that it plans to restore protections for Alaska’s Bristol Bay. The Environmental Protection Agency filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for Alaska to reverse a Trump-era decision that had stripped environmental protections for the bay.
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Right Whale
Washington, DC

New Legal Claims Challenge Feds’ Failure to Protect North Atlantic Right Whales From Deadly Fishing Gear Entanglement

The Center for Biological Diversity, Conservation Law Foundation and Defenders of Wildlife filed additional legal claims against the National Marine Fisheries Service today for failing to prevent critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from getting tangled up and killed in lobster gear.
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Wolf Headshot
Sitka, Alaska

Lawsuit Launched to Protect Rare Southeast Alaska Wolf

Defenders of Wildlife, Center for Biological Diversity and Alaska Rainforest Defenders filed a formal notice today of their intent to sue the federal government for failing to act on a petition to protect Alexander Archipelago wolves in Southeast Alaska under the Endangered Species Act.
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Wildlife Nation
Washington, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Partners with Jeff Corwin on New Wildlife Conservation TV Show on ABC

Defenders of Wildlife and Litton Entertainment today announced the launch of Wildlife Nation with Jeff Corwin, a new tv show airing every Saturday morning on ABC stations nationwide. The show premiere's on October 2, 2021, and highlights the remarkable wildlife of North America and the inspiring partners working together to save them from the brink of extinction.
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