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Stefan Ekernas
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Welcomes Stefan Ekernas as New Vice President of Species Conservation & Coexistence

Defenders of Wildlife is proud to announce Stephan Ekernas as its new Vice President of Species Conservation and Coexistence, where he will oversee Defenders’ field conservation programs.
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brown bear
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Trump Administration Opens Door to Bear Baiting, Den Hunting in Alaska Preserves

The National Park Service finalized a regulation that abdicates the agency's responsibility to manage wildlife in Alaska's national preserves, deferring instead to state regulations. Defenders of Wildlife condemns the rule, which mirrors a 2020 regulation promulgated by the first Trump administration that was later withdrawn and replaced in 2024.
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Washington, DC

BLM Prepares Illegal Move to Open Ouray National Wildlife Refuge to Oil & Gas, a Dangerous Precedent for Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife is calling on BLM to withdrawal an unprecedented proposal to open Ouray National Wildlife Refuge in Utah to new oil and gas leasing.

Press Releases

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2022.08.28 - Two Orcas Swimming - Tongass National Forest - Alaska - Harvey Hergett-USFS.jpg

Defenders Statement on J-Pod Orca Calf Presumed Dead

The Southern resident orca calf reportedly born to the J-Pod at the end of December 2023 is presumed dead, according to the Center for Whale
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2022.02.17 - Pinyon Jay - Sitting In Tree - Taos - New Mexico - © Christina Selby.jpg
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

Defenders Donates Pinyon Jay Conservation Signs to New Mexico Partnership

New Pinyon Jay signs along the Santa Fe County River Greenway trail and on the city’s Dale Ball Trail at Sierra del Notre inform trail
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Hickory Nut Gorge Green Salamander on Rock
Asheville, NC

North Carolina Salamander Moves Toward Endangered Species Protection

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it would consider protecting the Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander under the Endangered Species Act. The
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2019.11.06 - Pygmy Rabbit - Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge - Nevada - Miranda Crowell
Boise, Idaho

Pygmy Rabbit One Step Closer to Endangered Species Act Protection

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced its determination that the pygmy rabbit ( Brachylagus idahoensis) may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act
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Grizzly mother nuzzling her two cubs in a meadow filled with yellow flowers in the Grand Tetons.
Washington, DC

Defenders Responds to Fish and Wildlife Announcement on Bitterroot Grizzly Restoration

Defenders welcomes FWS's notice of intent to reintroduce grizzly bears to the Bitterroot Ecosystem, a 20-year effort now back on track after a court order.
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