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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads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

Future of Oregon wolves proposed in draft management plan

PORTLAND, Ore. (Apr. 18, 2017) – This week the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear public comment on draft revisions to the state’s Wolf

Census reveals struggling Oregon wolf population

PORTLAND, Ore. (Apr. 12, 2017) – Oregon’s 2016 wolf count was released yesterday by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The total number of

Senate and House Arctic refuge wilderness bills introduced

WASHINGTON (Apri 4, 2017) – Today, 40 senators led by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) and a bipartisan group of representatives led

Second female Florida Panther enters new territory

WASHINGTON (March 31, 2017) – A second female Florida panther has been spotted by trail cameras in new territory north of the Caloosahatchee river, following

Manatees downlisted from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act

WASHINGTON (March 30, 2017) – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) downlisted the West Indian manatee, including the Florida manatee, from endangered to threatened
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