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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads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

Lawsuit Filed to Save North Atlantic Right Whales from Death in Fishing Gear

Conservation and animal - protection groups today sued the National Marine Fisheries Service for failing to prevent critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from becoming

Tribes, Conservation Groups Support Investigation of Yellowstone Bison Sabotage

The Fort Peck Tribes and representatives from Defenders of Wildlife, World Wildlife Fund and the National Wildlife Federation welcome Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke’s decision

Trump’s Offshore Drilling Plan: A Death Sentence for Southern Resident Orcas

The Trump administration’s recent proposal to expand offshore oil and gas drilling could hasten the extinction of the Pacific Northwest’s last 76 Southern Resident killer

Most Americans Would Oppose Infrastructure Plan That Sacrifices the Environment, Poll Shows

Americans overwhelmingly reject the idea that improving the nation’s infrastructure should come at the expense of protections for air, water, wildlife and natural places, a

Former DOI Officials Want Zinke to Reconsider Changes to Migratory Bird Act

A bipartisan coalition of 17 former Department of the Interior officials spanning the last 40 years sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke condemning
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