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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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Black bear in moss covered forest
Colville, Washington

New Food Storage Lockers Improve Safety, Visitor Experience in Grizzly Country

This summer, land managers and conservationists are installing a new tool to increase safety for visitors and wildlife in the 1.5million-acre Colville National Forest.
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Banggai cardinalfish
Washington, DC

Biden Administration Urged to Release Critical Records on Wildlife Imports

More than 20 groups urged the Biden administration on Friday to release wildlife import and export data hidden from the public since 2015. The data
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Border wall
Washington, DC

Biden Administration Halts Border Wall Construction

Today, the Biden administration announced plans to halt border wall construction along the Southwest border of the U.S. The plan, which will be carried out by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, fulfills President Biden’s promise to end the diversion of funds for the border wall, and outlines steps the administration will take to address life, safety and environmental concerns.
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Red wolf eyes
Columbia, NC

Critically Endangered Red Wolf Killed by Car

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed this week that a 4-year-old Red Wolf has been killed in a roadway collision with a vehicle. The wolf was one of four previously captive adult wolves released into the wild in late April, as required by a recent court decision.
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Baby black bear Tongass

Biden Administration Announces It Will Revisit Tongass National Forest Roadless Rule

Today, the Biden administration announced that it will be initiating a new rulemaking to revisit the Roadless Area Conservation Rule on the Tongass National Forest, which was eliminated by the Trump administration.
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