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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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Burrowing owl
Washington, DC

The Biodiversity and Climate Crises Are Inextricably Linked According to New Report

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have released new peer-reviewed findings that while the
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Gray Wolf
Bozeman, MT

Forest Service Protections Sought for Wolves in Idaho, Montana Wilderness Areas

Defenders of Wildlife along with a coalition of wildlife advocates and hunters, and represented by the non-profit environmental law firm Earthjustice, today asked the U.S. Forest Service to issue new protections for wolves in designated wilderness areas following Idaho and Montana’s enactment of a rash of aggressive anti-wolf laws.
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Bald eagle nest on Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
Washington, DC

President’s 2022 Fiscal Budget is a Huge Win for Wildlife

The Biden administration’s recently released full 2022 fiscal year budget is a win for wildlife and provides significant funding increases for imperiled species, migratory birds
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Lassen pack gray wolf pup
Sacramento, CA

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Reports Wolf Depredation, Multiple Wolves in Eastern Plumas County

California may have a new wolf pack located in eastern Plumas County, according to a livestock loss determination report released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), which confirmed that the death of an adult cow was caused by a wolf attack.
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Pacific walrus
Washington, DC

Statement on Biden Administration's Announcement to Improve, Strengthen the ESA

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries have proposed regulatory revisions to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
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