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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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three wolf pups peeking out from logs
Denver, CO

Defenders Denounces CPW’s Decision to Relocate Colorado’s First Wolf Pack

Defenders of Wildlife today strongly denounced Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s tragic decision to relocate the Copper Creek wolf pack, the first breeding pair and litter
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Female Caribou running near Teshekpuk Lake
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders applauds BLM’s move to maintain land protections in Alaska

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today finalized its decision to retain environmental protections on 28 million acres of habitat critical to salmon, moose and
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Andrew Bowman Headshot
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Welcomes Andrew Bowman as New President and CEO

Marking a new chapter for the organization, Defenders of Wildlife today welcomed Andrew Bowman as president and CEO. Defenders announced Bowman’s selection in May of
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Caribou at Denali National Park
Washington, D.C.

Defenders’ Statement on Reckless Energy Permitting Proposal in Senate

Defenders of Wildlife opposes the latest attempt to shortchange our nation’s landmark environmental laws and allow oil, gas and other extractive industries to harm wildlife
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burrowing owl peeking out of burrow and looking at camera

California’s Burrowing Owls One Step Closer to State Protections

In response to a March 2024 petition by conservation groups, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has found that protecting the western burrowing owl
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