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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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California Condor Take Off - Big Sur - California
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Intervenes to Protect Biden ESA Regulations

Defenders today filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit filed in federal court in the District of Columbia that challenges the Biden administration’s 2024 Endangered Species Act regulations.
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Wading flock, Everglades National Park, Florida
Washington, D.C.

Trump Administration Rolls Back Protections for Migratory Birds

The Trump administration late last week reinstated a dangerous opinion under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act from the president’s first term that allows extractive energy
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gray wolf
Salem, OR

Oregon Releases 2024 Annual Wolf Report

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife today issued its 2024 gray wolf annual report, announcing an increase in the wolf population for a new
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US Capitol Building Washington DC
Washington, D.C.

Senate Introduces Damaging Senate Version of House Passed ‘Fix Our Forests Act’

Senator John Curtis (R-UT), along with Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) today introduced a damaging Senate version of the House passed Fix Our Forests Act.
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Gray wolf staring into camera in snow at Yellowstone National Park
Washington, D.C.

Genetic Technology Is No Solution for Species Loss

Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum quickly embraced the news of de-extinction technology Monday, as news broke of a bioscience engineering company genetically modifying gray wolf
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