Image
A close up of the face of a Sierra Nevada Red Fox at the edge of a forest in Deschutes County, Oregon.
Washington, D.C.

Court Rules Habitat Must Be Protected After FWS Attempts to Waive Protections for Less Than 40 Sierra Nevada Red Fox

Defenders of Wildlife earned a significant victory for the Endangered Species Act today when a federal district court found that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision to not designate critical habitat for the endangered Sierra Nevada red fox was a violation of the law.
Image
Three sea otters float in the water. There are hills or mountains in the distance in the background.

Construction on Gateway to Road through Izembek Continues

The Ninth Circuit today denied Defenders of Wildlife’s emergency motion to halt construction on King Cove Corp.’s 2.8-mile road segment leading to the doorstep of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness. Defenders’ request for immediate injunctive relief marks the latest stage in its larger effort to block a damaging and precedent-setting road from King Cove to Cold Bay, Alaska, that would plow through the heart of Izembek.
Image
sea otter eye contact, CA

Rooted in Resilience: Sea Otter Awareness Week Returns for its 24th Year

Sea Otter Awareness Week is sponsored and organized by Defenders of Wildlife, Sea Otter Savvy, California State Parks, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Elakha Alliance and The Marine Mammal Center. Learn more about sea otters during Sea Otter Awareness Week at upcoming in-person and virtual events in California and Oregon.

Press Releases

Image
Franklin's bumble bee
SACRAMENTO

Defenders of Wildlife, Pollinator Petitioners Seek to Join Lawsuit to Protect Four CA Bee Species

Pollinator Petitioners are seeking to join in litigation to defend the Fish and Game Commission from a challenge contending that California Native Bees cannot be listed under CESA.
Washington, DC

Groups Threaten Lawsuit to Protect Imperiled Gulf and Mississippi River Species from Bonnet Carré Spillway Impacts

Today, Defenders of Wildlife and Healthy Gulf (formerly Gulf Restoration Network) posted notice of their intent to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Mississippi River Commission for violations of the Endangered Species Act in failing to consult with federal wildlife agencies on the consequences of opening the Bonnet Carré Spillway on numerous endangered and threatened species.
Image
Gray Wolf
Denver, CO

Statement on State Senator Donovan’s Wolf Reintroduction Bill

“While we’re encouraged by Senator Donovan’s bill to reintroduce wolves to Colorado, we cannot support the bill as it stands. The bill would prohibit reintroduction unless new funding is made available, meaning this critical effort could be held hostage. We look forward to working with Senator Donovan and suggesting changes to address these concerns.”
Image
Desert Tortoise Joshua Tree NP

Western Caucus Members Push Anti-Endangered Species Act Bills, Again

It’s looking like déjà vu all over again as the Congressional Western Caucus has begun to introduce another package of anti-wildlife, anti-public lands, anti-Endangered Species Act (ESA) bills. The new package of stand-alone bills is – so far – nearly identical to draft legislation the caucus released this past fall. And, like the previous package, the bills would eliminate key protections for wildlife that have been in place for more than 45 years.
Image
Wood Duck
Washington, DC

Statement from Defenders of Wildlife on Migratory Bird Protection Act Passing Out of the House Natural Resources Committee

Statement from Robert Dewey, Vice President for Government Relations, Defenders of Wildlife upon the Migratory Bird Protection Act passing out of the House Natural Resources
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