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black-footed ferret at the nat'l black-footed ferret conservation center
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Slams SPEED Act as it Speeds Toward Habitat Destruction

Defenders of Wildlife condemns Rep. Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) SPEED ACT, H.R. 4776 the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act, ahead of Thursday’s expected floor vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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grizzly bear in Alaska
Washington, D.C.

ESA Amendments Act Poses a Historic Threat to America’s Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife remains on high alert as it braces for the House Natural Resources Committee’s full markup of Rep. Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) Endangered Species Amendments Act of 2025. More aptly labeled the Extinction Act, the bill seeks to eviscerate the Endangered Species Act, stripping away decades of crucial protections for America’s wildlife and their habitats.
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gray wolf walking with paw raised and looking at camera
Washington, D.C.

House Vote Scheduled on Ending Gray Wolf Protections, Undermining the Endangered Species Act

The House of Representatives is expected this Thursday to vote on ending gray wolf protections, prematurely delisting gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act before

Press Releases

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Red wolf staring straight on
Tyrrell County, NC

Defenders of Wildlife Announces Reward for Information on Slain Red Wolf

Defenders of Wildlife announced a reward of $2,500 for information that leads to the successful prosecution of the individual(s) responsible for illegally killing a critically-endangered Red Wolf on April 15.
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Cook Inlet beluga whale
Anchorage, AK

Defenders of Wildlife Applauds Cancellation of Cook Inlet Oil Lease Sale

Defenders of Wildlife applauded the Department of Interior’s announcement that it will not proceed with three planned oil lease sales in Alaska’s Cook Inlet and
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Endangered Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus), Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
Orlando, Fla.

Lawsuit: EPA Must Protect Manatees from Water Pollution

Three conservation groups sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today for failing to protect manatees and sea turtles from water pollution in Florida.
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Military macaw pair
Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

Military Macaw Nesting Season a Success for Defenders of Wildlife Program in Mexico

Eleven military macaw fledglings have now joined the growing wild population after a successful nesting season for Defenders of Wildlife’s and Unidos por las Guacamayas’
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Wildlife Crossing Bridge Over Two Lane Trans-Canada Highway in Banff National Park
Ventura County, California

Court Upholds Ventura County Ordinances to Safeguard Wildlife Connectivity

A Ventura County court upheld two county ordinances that increase protections for wildlife corridors. The two ordinances, No. 4537 and No. 4539 designate standards for
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
jpetrequin@defenders.org
(202) 772-0243
Communications Specialist
kirby@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268