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black-footed ferret at the nat'l black-footed ferret conservation center
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Slams SPEED Act as it Speeds Toward Habitat Destruction

Defenders of Wildlife condemns Rep. Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) SPEED ACT, H.R. 4776 the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act, ahead of Thursday’s expected floor vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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grizzly bear in Alaska
Washington, D.C.

ESA Amendments Act Poses a Historic Threat to America’s Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife remains on high alert as it braces for the House Natural Resources Committee’s full markup of Rep. Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) Endangered Species Amendments Act of 2025. More aptly labeled the Extinction Act, the bill seeks to eviscerate the Endangered Species Act, stripping away decades of crucial protections for America’s wildlife and their habitats.
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gray wolf walking with paw raised and looking at camera
Washington, D.C.

House Vote Scheduled on Ending Gray Wolf Protections, Undermining the Endangered Species Act

The House of Representatives is expected this Thursday to vote on ending gray wolf protections, prematurely delisting gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act before

Press Releases

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Gray Wolf

Why Wolves Won’t Reintroduce Themselves in Colorado

In just a few days, Coloradans will choose whether or not to return gray wolves to Colorado. A simple yes or no answer by 4.1 million registered voters will determine the fate of Proposition 114 and if gray wolves will get a fresh start.
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Rainforest Wolf Tongass Sam Catron
Craig, AK

Hunting and Trapping Season Proposed Despite Precarious Alexander Archipelago Wolf Status

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) and the U.S. Forest Service announced their intention today that the 2020-2021 hunting and trapping season for the Alexander Archipelago wolf be reduced but still proceed, despite the uncertain future of the wolf.
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Members of Latino Outdoors

Latino Outdoors Supports Wolf Reintroduction in Colorado

The Colorado chapter of Latino Outdoors just officially endorsed Proposition 114, which appears on Colorado’s general election ballot this year. If passed, the ballot measure would require the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department to develop and implement a plan to reintroduce wolves to lands west of the continental divide by the end of 2023.
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Beaver munching on a leaf

MEDIA ADVISORY: Summit to Educate Attendees About the Importance of Beavers in Ecosystems

Defenders of Wildlife and WildEarth Guardians, along with other state, federal and non-profit partners, have organized a virtual New Mexico Beaver Summit to help educate landowners on the benefits and challenges of living with beavers.
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Polar bear walking in Arctic Refuge
Washington, DC

Bureau of Land Management Fast-Tracks Arctic Refuge Seismic Permits

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is reviewing a permit application for seismic exploration for the fragile coastal plain of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Seismic exploration would profoundly impact this important landscape for decades, scarring the tundra, damaging critical habitat for imperiled polar bears and potentially causing the death of denning mother bears with cubs.
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
jpetrequin@defenders.org
(202) 772-0243
Communications Specialist
kirby@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268