Defenders of Wildlife

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Defenders of Wildlife Defenders of Wildlife leads the pack when it comes to protecting wild animals and plants in their natural communities.
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Founded in 1947, Defenders of Wildlife is the premier U.S.-based national conservation organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of imperiled species and their habitats in North America. Defenders’ approach is direct and straightforward – We protect and restore imperiled species throughout North America by transforming policies and institutions and by promoting innovative solutions. We speak with one voice informed by scientific, legal and policy expertise, hands-on wildlife management experience and effective advocacy. Our team has the experience and knowledge to engage in any arena to protect wildlife—Congress, the courts, federal and state agencies, academia and public debate—and does so tirelessly and effectively. Our field offices give us a grounding in the ecosystems and communities where we work, allowing us to engage the public, build support for conservation and develop practical solutions that will stand the test of time. Fueled by the commitment of our members, partners and supporters, we are building a powerful, enduring voice for wildlife conservation.

10/15/2026

A quiet, spooky night. The sound of a cracked twig. A soft growl - or wait, was it two? Then, 5 pairs of glowing eyes in the dark, what is it?

It’s a family of bobcats taking a quick break on their nocturnal journey! Phew, not so spooky after all. Just be sure to leave them alone!

Thank you FStop Foundation for the trail cam footage!

Thanks to a Defenders-led coalition effort, SMUD, a California utility company, has updated its policies to avoid develo...
10/14/2026

Thanks to a Defenders-led coalition effort, SMUD, a California utility company, has updated its policies to avoid developing or buying energy from projects that are harmful to habitat, cultural resources and wildlife!

Following SMUD’s recent engagement in the environmentally disastrous Coyote Creek solar project, the coalition made recommendations to SMUD’s renewable energy policies and procedures, collaborating with SMUD staff.

Here’s what changed 👇

🔍 SMUD staff screens every proposed site for natural and cultural resource impacts
🚶 Staff visit local sites in person
🌿 Projects must avoid impacts first, then minimize
🗣️ SMUD and developers must engage the local community early in the process

Huge thanks to our coalition partners and SMUD! Thanks also to every community member who kept showing up.

The Senate shouldn’t weaken the laws that protect our wild neighbors in the name of faster permitting. Wildlife isn’t an...
10/14/2026

The Senate shouldn’t weaken the laws that protect our wild neighbors in the name of faster permitting. Wildlife isn’t an obstacle to America’s prosperity. It is part of what makes this country rich.

The Endangered Species Act works. We can build the future America needs without sacrificing the natural heritage we share, need and love.

That’s right, over the past year, at least 1.6 million comments have been sent in with a clear message to the administra...
10/13/2026

That’s right, over the past year, at least 1.6 million comments have been sent in with a clear message to the administration: Keep the Roadless Rule in place!

The Roadless Rule has protected nearly 45 million acres of national forests for 25 years. It was built from one of the most extensive public engagement processes in Forest Service history, and that support hasn't faded. Intact forests deserve continued, consistent national protection for decades to come.

10/13/2026

Bee careful with your decorations! 🐝

We all love decorating our homes and celebrating the spooky season, but it’s not always fun for wildlife!

Fake spiderwebs, hanging lights and loops can entangle animals like bees and birds, trapping and endangering them.

For an easy alternative, hang spiderwebs indoors or use natural decorations outside like pumpkins, gourds, and corn stalks that can be composted at the end of the spooky season.

Helping wildlife starts with us!

Video submitted by a user.

10/12/2026

When the traditions, values and knowledge of all communities are valued and honored, wildlife thrives. And we are proud to work with our Tribal partners every day to ensure that happens.

In Alaska, many of these communities are fighting to protect the Tongass National Forest – we stand beside them and honor their desires to protect our wild lands, advancing their interests in safeguarding the Roadless Rule and responding to the needs of wildlife.

We will continue to work alongside Tribes and Tribal members across the country and incorporate their traditional ecological knowledge into our work, recognizing their legacy as the original stewards of the land, waters and animals of North America.

Thank you Southeast Alaska Conservation Council for the footage!

10/12/2026

Today, we reflect on our work with Tribal partners and Tribal nations to restore the American bison to its historical range. Our partners and these Tribal communities have led these efforts for decades, opening the door for bison to return to the American West – but a proposed federal grazing standard could harm this amazing recovery work.

Attacks on our public lands and an attack on Tribal sovereignty can only hurt our national mammal and its recovery. At Defenders, we are committed to valuing and incorporating the guidance of our Tribal partners into our work, and we know that, together, we can make strides in bison reintroduction – like last year’s historic bison transfer from Fort Peck to Mosquito First Nation (captured in the video above).

Our public lands are big enough – and important enough – to support ranchers as well as Tribal Nations striving to restore buffalo for cultural and ecological purposes.

This World Migratory Bird Day, help your feathered neighbors by turning off non-essential lights at night and staying aw...
10/10/2026

This World Migratory Bird Day, help your feathered neighbors by turning off non-essential lights at night and staying aware of your surroundings.

Millions of migrating birds are disoriented by artificial light each year, with an estimated one billion U.S. bird deaths occurring annually from collisions with buildings and structure.

Turning off non-essential lights each night during migration season, closing your blinds at night, and not using landscape lighting to light up trees or gardens where birds may be resting are a few easy ways to help protect birds on the move!

When we take shortcuts around the Endangered Species Act, we shortchange wildlife. Here’s the facts: the ESA works – 99%...
10/09/2026

When we take shortcuts around the Endangered Species Act, we shortchange wildlife.

Here’s the facts: the ESA works – 99% of listed species are still with us today with hundreds on the path to recovery. For more than 50 years, ESA consultation has helped deliver both efficiency and strong wildlife protections. The ESA doesn’t need big changes; it just needs us to trust the process.

Tell the Senate not to weaken the ESA in the name of faster permitting by clicking the link in the comments.

As pumpkins are getting put out, candy is being bought, and costumes are being crafted, it’s a good time to make sure yo...
10/08/2026

As pumpkins are getting put out, candy is being bought, and costumes are being crafted, it’s a good time to make sure you’re being wildlife friendly this Halloween!

Use our handy checklist to see how you can celebrate the spooky season while keeping wildlife safe.

Address

1130 17th Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
20036

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18003859712

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