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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads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

Image
Sharon Wilcox Headshot
Austin, TX

Defenders of Wildlife Announces Dr. Sharon Wilcox, PH.D. as New Texas Representative

Defenders of Wildlife is pleased to announce Dr. Sharon Wilcox, Ph.D. has joined our Field Conservation team as a Texas representative, based in Austin.
Image
Prairie dogs
Laramie, WY

Forest Service Proposes Gutting Wildlife Protections on Thunder Basin National Grassland

Today the U.S. Forest Service made public their proposal to amend the Thunder Basin National Grassland management plan to strip protections for prairie dogs and the habitat they create for numerous species.
Image
Black wolf yellowstone
Portland, OR

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Releases Overdue Wolf Conservation and Management Plan Proposals

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) released its proposed edits to the Wolf Conservation and Management Plan (Wolf Plan).
Image
Bald eagle
Washington, DC

Senate Confirms Ethics Challenged, Ex-Oil and Gas Lobbyist for Interior Secretary

The Senate voted to confirm Acting Secretary David Bernhardt to be Secretary of the Interior (56-41).
Image
Mexican_gray_wolf
Tucson, AZ

Annual Mexican Wolf Count Emphasizes Need for Continued Recovery Efforts

Today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released the official Mexican gray wolf population count for November 2018 through January 2019. According to the
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