Sign in

Defenders of Wildlife

@defenders.org
1.4K followers 41 following 418 posts

Defenders of Wildlife leads the pack when it comes to protecting wild animals and plants in their natural communities. #ActAgainstExtinction

PostsRepliesMedia
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 26/09/2026
Here’s what rolling back the Roadless Rule could mean… 327 threatened and endangered species negatively impacted 🐾 71 designated critical habitats negatively impacted 🏞️ 3,490 sensitive species facing increased threats 🦋 We still have time to stop it. Take action, here: dfnd.us/4rtWgZ7
266
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 25/09/2026
Happy Sea Otter Awareness Week! Join us Saturday, 9/26, to learn more about sea otter reintroduction efforts and the ethical issues that underpin these important programs. Sign up to our webinar: dfnd.us/4hm6GFr 🦦
dfnd.us
Learn how you can help take action for sea otters at this upcoming webinar!
Sea Otter Awareness Week 2026 wraps up – join us for our final virtual presentation on Saturday, Sept. 26!
094
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 17/09/2026
Defenders win! Just in time for National Fox Day today, a court ruled that critical Sierra Nevada red fox habitat must be protected after USFWS attempted to waive protections for the less than 40 foxes remaining in the wild. Learn more: dfnd.us/4cQXvLT
A Sierra Nevada red fox close-up facing camera. Text on image reads "Defenders win!" and "Court rules that endangered Sierra Nevada Red Fox habitat must be protected." Photo credit to © David Willingham/iNaturalist (CC BY 4.0) on right side.
06035
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 10/09/2026
The American Prairie bison herd is here to stay! Last week, a judge halted BLM’s plan to remove over 900 bison from grazing lands in northeast Montana. While the work to restore the American bison to their rightful place continues, this decision is a step in the right direction towards recovery!
1164
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 10/09/2026
We have less than a month left – help us get 100,000 public comments opposing the repeal of the Roadless Rule! Take action and submit your comment: dfnd.us/4A3JS5G ⬅️
A photo of an old-growth forest with a black transparent bar in the middle, text on bar reads "Help us get to 100,000 Public Comments opposing the Roadless Rule repeal." Photo credit to David Herasimtschuk .
076
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 09/09/2026
Bulldozers are breaking ground in Izembek. A court has now allowed construction to move forward on a separate 2.8-mile road on King Cove Corp. lands within the refuge—leading directly to the doorstep of Izembek Wilderness. We're appealing the decision. And we're not done fighting for Izembek.
An image of a fox hiding in the grass. Text on image reads "Bad News" with a red accent and white text and "Bulldozers Razing Ground in Alaska's Izembek National Wildlife Refuge" with a yellow accent and black text. Tire marks are superimposed over the image on the bottom left side. Photo credit to Gerrit Vyn/Cornell Lab of Ornithology
1108
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 05/09/2026
The Trump administration has issued an executive order directing the Secretary of Interior to decide whether gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves still deserve protections under the guise of helping ranchers. Wolves deserve better than a Big Bad Wolf narrative dictating their fate.
12112
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 01/09/2026
Good news! The California Sea Otter Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund is back! State taxpayers once again will have the opportunity to directly support sea otter conservation by donating to this critical conservation funding source. Learn more: dfnd.us/4gxvpYk
A sea otter and her pup floating in blue water. Photo credit to Joshua Asel in bottom left. Text on screen says "Good News!" and "California taxpayers can once again help sea otter conservation"
0114
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 31/08/2026
Just like wildlife, we like to relax at the beach, we like to play with our siblings, we like to enjoy a snack. We do a lot of things like wildlife. But we do one thing differently: we give them a voice.
0198
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 30/08/2026
Happy International Puma Day 🐾 Did you know that the Florida panther is the only puma population found east of the Mississippi? It’s recognized as Florida’s official state animal too! Video Credit: fStop Foundation.
0115
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 29/08/2026
Great news! A gray wolf has been spotted in California’s Sequoia National Park for the first time in more than 100 years! The three-year-old female, known as BEY03F, was born in 2023 in northern California and has traveled an impressive distance south, likely in search of a mate and new territory.
0194
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 27/08/2026
We sued to protect the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge from an illegal closed-door deal that would build a road through the heart of Izembek’s world-class wildlife habitats, wetlands and wilderness – and we won. Learn more on our website: dfnd.us/4gfgGB0
A fox standing on rocks. Text above reads "Defenders Wins Lawsuit Against DOI, Halting Road Through Alaskan Wildlife Refuge" with a red box behind "Defenders Wins." Photo credit to Kristine Sowl - USFWS in bottom left.
172
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 26/08/2026
Trail cameras are a safe, easy way to learn more about the wildlife in your area. Once you know more about the animals that share your space, you can learn how to help protect them and their habitats. You don’t need a far-off mountaintop to see wildlife; our backyards can be just as wild!
061
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 25/08/2026
Happy Birthday to the National Parks System! Check out some super-deserved superlatives from some super amazing national parks. Read more on our blog: dfnd.us/4wXlaBy
051
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 19/08/2026
We officially dub Summer 2026, the Summer of Sea Turtles! Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
021
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 18/08/2026
Who goes there? Someone was caught on our trail cam. You can often find these sleek and solitary mustelids sneaking through the night. Do you know who walked by?
093
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 04/08/2026
Happy International Owl Awareness Day!🦉 Did you know that burrowing owls, one of the smallest owls in North America, stand only 7 to 10 inches tall? That’s about as tall as a roll of paper towels or a box of cereal! We wouldn’t be amused either if we were as tall as a TV remote…
094
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 04/08/2026
Conservation shouldn’t be a flashpoint in the culture wars or a footnote in a party platform – the fate of America’s wildlife should never swing with the political pendulum. Let’s put politics aside and build lasting solutions for the wildlife and wild places we all share! dfnd.us/45059PF
dfnd.us
Opinion: U.S. Wildlife Depends on Our Elections. That's the Problem.
Conservationists should vigorously challenge decisions that weaken existing wildlife protections. But if our ambitions begin and end with reversing today's rollbacks,
096
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 28/07/2026
It’s official: the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge joins UNESCO’s World Heritage List! Okefenokee joins an iconic list of cultural and natural sites of world importance alongside monuments like the Grand Canyon, Taj Mahal and Great Wall of China. Learn more: dfnd.us/4x76WhG
Image of alligator on a log in Okefenokee Swamp. Text on image reads “It’s Official!” with a green background and “Okefenokee Refuge added to UNESCO World Heritage List.” Photo credit Michael Lusk in bottom right.
0106
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 26/07/2026
Pups, chicks, calves and cubs succeed thanks to their amazing parents – just like us! Whether a protective grizzly bear or cuddling otter parent – or our own moms and dads – we’re celebrating all the parents that help teach and defend future generations. Happy National Parents’ Day!
083
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 24/07/2026
Take 20 seconds out of your day for a nature break. Let this babbling brook bring you bliss!
0135
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 21/07/2026
If you destroy wildlife's home, you harm wildlife. It's that simple. The Trump administration has tried to erase that truth by stripping habitat destruction from the definition of "harm" under the ESA. We sued to stop this unlawful rollback because wildlife cannot survive without their homes.
Image of piping plover and baby in beach during sunset. Yellow text reads "We are suing to protect wildlife and their homes" with a red highlight behind "suing." Photo credit to Raj Das in bottom left.
1139
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 20/07/2026
Where we see our nation’s irreplaceable wildlife, they see dollar signs. These ESA rollbacks will eliminate protections and trample recovery for imperiled wildlife and their habitats. But that’s what the Trump administration wants: more extraction, more extinction and more profit. dfnd.us/4fehvcM
dfnd.us
In a Gift to Industry, The Trump Administration Eliminates Protections for Threatened Species and Essential Habitat
In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today finalized rollbacks of two regulations implementing the Endangered Species Act that will hamstring the
098
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 17/07/2026
The Red Wolf Recovery Program in North Carolina has confirmed the birth of four wild litters of Red Wolf pups in eastern NC this spring! With an estimated population of around 22 adults and 12 to 16 pups in the litters, we celebrate every new addition to these Red Wolf families! dfnd.us/4vzcznK
0103
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 16/07/2026
Want some tips on how to recreate responsibly? 🥾 Wear footwear designed for what you’re doing: hiking boots, waders. 🔭 Observe animals from a safe distance away with binoculars 🚷 Stay on the marked trails and be aware of your surroundings 🍫 Don’t leave food or trash in campsites or on trails.
032
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 14/07/2026
To celebrate World Orca Day, we asked our Millennial and Gen-Z staff to come up with a quick post. As you can see, we received…different approaches.
0105
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 09/07/2026
Roadways can be a true danger to wildlife – but in North Carolina, they’re about to get a bit safer! 🚸 In their most recent budget, the state approved a historic $10.2 million recurring investment towards wildlife crossings and improving roadway safety for both people and wildlife. Learn more! ⬇️
A young black bear approaches one of the four existing culverts to cross beneath the highway in NC. Text says "Good News!" and "Millions secured for wildlife safe passage in North Carolina." Photo credit in bottom right to NPCA.
375
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 08/07/2026
Congrats to Brian Burhoe for winning the grand prize of our USA 250: Shaped by the Wild Photo Contest for his astonishing picture of a young Humpback whale calf. His spectacular eye-to-eye shot will be featured in our exclusive Defenders of Wildlife 2028 Calendar!
082
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 03/07/2026
Being an endemic species, like the Red Wolf or Black-footed Ferret, means they are found here and nowhere else. That makes them uniquely American! It also means we must protect them.
0124
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 02/07/2026
The A in USA stands for A lot of bald eagles!
072
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 30/06/2026
The final part of our 50 States, 50 Refuges tour is here! And as a treat, we included an extra refuge near Washington, D.C. in honor of our 250th anniversary. Find a refuge near you – and if you don’t see it here, check Parts 1 through 8 on our platforms! 🧵📷(1/5)
141
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 28/06/2026
This is your last chance to submit your wildlife photos to our America 250: Shaped by the Wild Photo Contest! Your photo may be shared on our social media channels, and one winner will be featured on our upcoming 2028 calendar. We’re all winners when we celebrate our wild world! dfnd.us/4ed0TlN
041
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 27/06/2026
🦋 It’s definitely butterfly season 🦋
0115
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 26/06/2026
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAL! That’s what we hope to be cheering as the U.S. team plays Turkey tonight ⚽
082
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 25/06/2026
Algal blooms are overgrowths of algae caused by factors like high water temperatures & certain nutrients in the water. Some algal blooms can produce harmful toxins! Pets & other animals can be exposed to toxins through drinking or swimming in contaminated water, so be careful on your summer walks.
072
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 25/06/2026
Check out our winner of the week! Congrats to Dan Orr for sharing this wicked, gravity-defying picture with us. OoooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooHHHoooOOOOO Join the USA 250: Shaped by the Wild Photo Contest and submit your photos: dfnd.us/4ed0TlN
041
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 24/06/2026
Won’t you be my neighbor? Part 8 of our 50 States, 50 Refuges tour is here! Find the refuge in your state and one of the many species that calls it home. Your wild neighbors are waiting for your visit – don’t leave them hanging! 🧵⬇️(1/7)
153
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 22/06/2026
For National Grasslands Week, keep an eye out for any danger with our prairie dog friend. He’s counting on you to be a prairie watch dog!
063
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 20/06/2026
Happy International Horseshoe Crab Day! A living fossil, horseshoe crabs have existed for more than 400 million years. It’s believed their hard shell, five walking legs and a primitive ability to feed on organic matter helped them survive five mass extinction events.
0143
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 19/06/2026
We’re all for viewing animals in their habitats – but safely. The National Park Service advises you to: 🦬 Stay at least 25 yards from Bison, Elk and Moose or a quarter of a football field away. 🐺 Stay at least 100 yards from Wolves and Bears or one football field away.
072
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 18/06/2026
Meet your wildest neighbors – just don’t call the HOA on them! In honor of America 250, we are showcasing some amazing refuges in each of the 50 states (and DC). With more than 570 in the U.S., there’s certainly a refuge for you! 🧵⬇️(1/7)
163
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 17/06/2026
"As an amateur photographer, I spend a lot of my time at Huntington Beach State Park, waiting for 'the' shot! I finally got it one day when I was standing on the Causeway when this alligator came up with a blue crab in its mouth!" Thanks for the pic, Jacqueline!
031
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 13/06/2026
Take a peaceful swim under the sea with a green sea turtle 🪸
0134
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 11/06/2026
Your wild neighbors are waiting for you to visit! Our country is filled with hundreds of refuges meant to protect the animals we care about, many just a drive away. Check out Part 6 of our 50 States, 50 Refuges tour to find a refuge in your state! 🧵⬇️(1/7)
152
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 10/06/2026
Meet our (t)winner this week! Congrats to David Alfano for sharing this adorable picture with us. We don’t mind having double the trouble when it’s this darn cute! Join the USA 250: Shaped by the Wild Photo Contest and submit your photos: dfnd.us/4ed0TlN
Two foxes in a grassy area. Text says "USA 250: Shaped by the Wild Photo Contest" and "Winner of the Week" with a "^T" to make it read "Twinner." Text below that reads "David Alfano" and under that "Double Trouble Award"
032
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 09/06/2026
For the first time in over 120 years, a California condor flies over Oregon! Last month, a young condor known as B9 crossed into Oregon from California. This marks the first time since 1904 that one of these critically endangered birds has flown in Oregon skies.
0104
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 06/06/2026
WANTED: Spotted Lanternfly 🪰 CRIME: Invasion, Ecological Terror ☠️ REWARD: Healthy ecosystems 🏞️
092
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 05/06/2026
How are you celebrating World Environment Day today? Oil companies are celebrating by buying up critical habitat in the Arctic Refuge to drill. That’s not how we celebrate our planet’s natural beauty – we celebrate by speaking up for wildlife.
065
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 04/06/2026
Who knew our refuges were so cool? We did! Check out the refuge in your state and give it a visit! Not only will you get a chance to spot your wild neighbors, but you can also see their homes and understand what we’re trying to protect and why. 🧵⬇️ (1/7)
163
Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 04/06/2026
It should be obvious. Cyanide bombs are indiscriminate killers that are as likely to take out pets and endangered wildlife as they are the animals they target. There’s no place for these cruel devices on our public lands. They’ve been illegal for years – but this administration repealed the ban.
A gray wolf looks into camera. Bold letters read "CYANIDE BOMBS ARE BAD FOR WILDLIFE" with "BAD" highlighted in red. Below more text against a thin black bear reads "Do we need to say more?"
163