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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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2010.10.28 - Caribou Grazing in Front of Mountains - Alaska - Colin Arisman.jpg
Washington, D.C.

Second Legally Mandated Lease Sale in the Arctic Refuge a Complete Failure, Receives No Bids

The Biden administration just concluded the second legally mandated lease sale in the Arctic Refuge. It should come as no surprise that this lease sale
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Bear cub on back of mother in snow
Washington, DC

Defenders Statement on Grizzly Bear Delisting Status Decision

WASHINGTON, DC — The US Fish & Wildlife Service today determined there is not a basis to delist grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide
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2020.05.19 - Red Fox - Laurence Grayer.JPG
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Defenders of Wildlife Challenges FWS Unlawful Evasion of Habitat Protection for Rare Species  

Defenders of Wildlife today is challenging a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulation that allows the agency to unlawfully dodge its legal duty to designate
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Oregon coastline close to the mouth of the Columbia
Washington, DC

Defenders Statement on Biden Protections for U.S. Coasts from Offshore Drilling

WASHINGTON, DC — President Joe Biden today took action to protect over 625 million acres of U.S. ocean waters from offshore oil and gas drilling
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Alligator moving through the grass to water - Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge - Georgia
Folkston, Ga.

Defenders Celebrates 22K-Acre Expansion of Okefenokee Acquisition Boundary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced its final decision to expand the acquisition boundary of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge by roughly 22,000
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