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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads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

Northern Rockies Fishers One Step Closer to Endangered Species Act Protection

In response to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity and allies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the Northern Rockies fisher, a rare and vanishing species, may warrant federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Proposal to Downlist Manatee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 7, 2016 Contact: Haley McKey hmckey@defenders.org, (202) 772-0247 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today its proposal to downlist the

Defenders Condemns Illegal Takeover of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 6, 2016 Contact: Catalina Tresky: ctresky@defenders.org, (202) 772-0253 Defenders Condemns Illegal Takeover of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge WASHINGTON – On Saturday

Governor’s plan for Yellowstone bison management breaks gridlock

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 23, 2015 Contact: Melanie Gade: mgade@defenders.org ; 202-772-0288 Governor’s Plan for Yellowstone Bison Management Breaks Gridlock BOZEMAN. Mont. –This week, Governor

Victory for wildlife: Congress strikes an Omnibus funding deal free of catastrophic Anti-Endangered Species Act riders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Haley McKey, 202-772-0247, hmckey@defenders.org Victory for wildlife: Congress strikes an omnibus funding deal free of catastrophic anti-Endangered Species Act riders WASHINGTON
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