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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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Red Wolf - B.Bartel-USFWS
Washington, DC

New Defenders Poll Shows American Public Overwhelmingly Supports the Endangered Species Act and Biodiversity Protection

New Defenders of Wildlife poll shows the vast majority of Americans, regardless of political party, continue to support the Endangered Species Act as it marks
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Wolf from Wapiti Pack walks through Hayden Valley
Helena, Montana

Defenders Appalled by Montana Draft Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released its 2023 Draft Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan on Friday, October 20th with a 60-day comment period. As
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Horseshoe crabs on beach
Charleston, S.C.

Defenders Joins Forces with Conservation Groups in Suit to Dismiss State Challenge in Cape Romain

The Southern Environmental Law Center has filed a motion to intervene and a motion to dismiss on behalf of the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League
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Grizzly bear sow Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone National Park
Missoula, MT

Defenders Applauds Missoula for Strengthening Bear Smart Community Initiative to Further Minimize Human-Bear Conflict

The Missoula City Council last night finalized the decision to expand its bear buffer zone, including new regulations around garbage storage and a bear mitigation
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Spring migration of red knots, Delaware Bay
Beaufort, N.C.

Fisheries Commission Rejects Female Horseshoe Crab Harvest Proposal for Delaware Bay

Conservation groups commended today’s decision by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to forego a 2024 bait harvest of female horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay
Senior Vice President, External Affairs
lsheehan@defenders.org
(202) 772-3244
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mdewane@defenders.org
(202) 772-0217
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jcovey@defenders.org
Communications Specialist
kirby@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268
Communications Specialist
estern@defenders.org
202-772-0243