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gray wolf walking with paw raised and looking at camera
Olympia, WA

Washington State 2025 Wolf Count Increases, Depredations Decrease

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife today released the state’s 2025 minimum count for gray wolves at 270 individuals, a 17% increase from 2024
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gray wolf
Salem, OR

Oregon Releases 2025 Annual Wolf Count, Numbers Up

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife today issued its 2025 gray wolf annual report, announcing an increase in the wolf population for a new
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Offshore Oil Rig
Washington D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Challenges Unprecedented “God Squad” Exemption Allowing Unchecked Gulf Oil Drilling

Defenders of Wildlife today announced it is taking legal action to overturn an unprecedented and unlawful decision by the Endangered Species Committee, known as the “God Squad,” to exempt federal authorizations of oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico through a blanket exemption from the Endangered Species Act’s protections.

Press Releases

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Oregon Renewables
Washington, DC

New Report from Defenders of Wildlife and Partners Provides Guidelines for Responsibly Siting Renewable Energy Projects in Oregon

Defenders of Wildlife and partner organizations today released a new report offering guidelines for the responsible siting of renewable energy projects to minimize environmental impacts and urges greater community engagement and local benefits throughout the planning and development process.
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2023 Spirit of Defenders Award, InterTribal Buffalo Council
Washington, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Honors the InterTribal Buffalo Council with Award

Defenders of Wildlife today announced the recipient of the 2023 Spirit of Defenders Award for Conservation Partnerships. The award honors individuals and organizations for their extraordinary accomplishments and commitment to wildlife and land conservation. This year’s honoree in the category of Conservation Partnerships is the InterTribal Buffalo Council.
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Laura Sheehan
Washington, D.C.

Laura Sheehan Named Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife has welcomed Laura Sheehan as the Senior Vice President of External Affairs. She will be responsible for overseeing Defenders’ communications, marketing and government relations strategies.
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Southern_Resident_Orca
Portland, ORE.

Southern Resident Orcas Move Closer to Oregon Endangered Species Protections

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted today to advance a petition seeking to protect southern resident orcas under the state Endangered Species Act (ESA).
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Starship set up
BOCA CHICA, Texas

Explosion After Launch at SpaceX in Texas Serves as Powerful Reminder of Risks in Experimental Rocketry

On April 20, 2023 SpaceX launched its fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket from their test facility in Boca Chica, Texas. This launch, Starship’s
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