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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads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

Bad News for Wildlife: Border Wall Funding Approved in 2020 Spending Bill

After weeks of negotiations, Congress unveiled the $1.4 trillion package that will raise discretionary federal spending by $49 billion for the rest of fiscal 2020.
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Mexican Gray Wolf
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.

Two More Mexican Gray Wolves Caught in Traps as Incidents Continue in New Mexico

Defenders of Wildlife has learned that two more Mexican gray wolves were recently caught in foothold traps in New Mexico.
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Polar Bear
Anchorage, AK

Defenders Statement on National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Lease Sale, IAP Hearing

The Trump administration will be holding an oil and gas lease sale for 4 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPRA) today. Lease sales in the NPRA have been held annually since 2011. The last two lease sales in the reserve brought in $1 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
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Red wolf running
Raleigh, NC

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Red Wolf Transfer to Recovery Area in North Carolina

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced that they will transfer three critically-endangered Red Wolves to the Red Wolf Recovery Area in eastern North Carolina.
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Adolescent gray wolf howling near Lamar River in Yellowstone
Denver, CO

Over 210,000 Coloradans Sign On for Wolf Reintroduction, Adding Initiative to 2020 Ballot

Today, volunteers from the Rocky Mountain Wolf Action Fund (RMWAF) submitted over 210,000 signatures to the Colorado Secretary of State to place restoration of wolves on Colorado’s 2020 statewide ballot.
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