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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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2022.08.20 - Mountain Lion - Carson National Forest - New Mexico - DOW.jpg

Defenders Celebrates Historic Wildlife Management Reform in New Mexico

Defenders of Wildlife applauds New Mexico for its historic effort to expand the tools and authority needed to manage all state wildlife, and for renaming
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Re-Establishing Clean Water Act Standards Needed To Protect Vulnerable Ecosystems and Access to Clean Water

Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) introduced the Right to Clean Water Act, SB 601, to safeguard California’s water systems by enshrining into state law previous
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2019 - Mexican Gray Wolf - Arizona - Evelyn Lichwa - Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team - FWS.jpeg
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA

Defenders Statement on Investigation into the Death of a Mexican Gray Wolf

State and federal wildlife officials are offering a more than $100,000 reward in the death of a Mexican gray wolf found near a Forest Service
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2022.04.18 - Landscape - Beaver Coexistence New Mexico - Bryan Bird

Defenders Receives NFWF’s Southwest Rivers Headwaters Grant to Support Habitat Restoration, Beaver Coexistence Along Rio Grande

Defenders of Wildlife is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support our on-the-ground efforts
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2010.11.08-Delta Smelt closeup- Peter Johnsen-USFWS (CC BY 2.0).jpg
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

State and Federal Agencies Cancel Action to Protect Delta Smelt

In California, today marks the start of the new “water year,” the date water managers use to mark the end of the dry season and
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