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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads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

230+ Groups Oppose Trump Administration Plan to Cripple Endangered Species Act

More than 200 conservation and animal-welfare organizations today urged Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke in a letter to withdraw three dangerous proposals that would undermine the

Study Reveals Best Available Science for Predator-Livestock Coexistence

A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS Biology reveals certain nonlethal methods are effective for managing predators in agricultural landscapes. Twenty-one authors from

Oregon Denies Protection for Gravely Imperiled Humboldt Martens

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted today to deny state Endangered Species Act protection to the fewer than 200 Humboldt martens estimated to remain

WDFW Orders Lethal Removal in Unnamed Kettle Range Wolf Pack

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today lethal removal of two wolves in an unnamed pack in part of the Kettle Range

WDFW Should Not Authorize Killing of Wolves in Unnamed NE Washington Pack

Defenders of Wildlife has asked the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to refrain from issuing a lethal removal order for wolves in 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