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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads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

House Interior Appropriations Bill Slashes Funding for Imperiled Species, Eviscerates Endangered Species Act Protections

The U.S. House of Representatives just passed an atrocious Interior and Environment funding bill for FY24, which slashed funding for imperiled species, eviscerated longstanding protections
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By Evelyn Lichwa
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

Defenders of Wildlife Statement on Female Mexican Gray Wolf Reported Outside of Management Area

Defenders of Wildlife issued the following statement on a female Mexican gray wolf sighted crossing Interstate 40, outside of the Mexican Gray Wolf Experimental Population
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2022.05.20 - Green Sea Turtle on Beach - Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge - Hawaii - Percy Ulsamer-USFWS
Washington, DC

Defenders Slams McClintock, Newhouse and Graves Anti-Wildlife Bills Ahead of House Hearing

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries today will hold a hearing on three anti-wildlife bills. The
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gulf of mexico whale
washington dc

Defenders and Others Deplore GOP Bill That Would Gut Protections for Critically Endangered Gulf of Mexico Rice’s Whales

House Republicans will consider a bill today introduced by Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.) that could prohibit vital Endangered Species Act protections for critically endangered Gulf
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Bison in field
Bozeman, MT

Restoring Hope to the Prairie and Tribes

Following the Hollywood release of Butcher’s Crossing, an historical fiction depicting the dark history associated with the near-extinction of Plains bison in the 1800s, Defenders
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