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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 05/10/2026

Happy World Habitat Day! When we protect our wild lands and habitats, we protect the peace and tranquility offered to us by national parks, refuges, forests and more. Wildlife gets a home, and we get a place of wonder, relaxation and reflection – and a stronger connection to nature.

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 01/10/2026

Our SE Program director, Ben Prater joined Climate Week NYC to talk about wildlife connectivity. One of the biggest takeaways? Wildlife connectivity is a human issue, too. Through hard work, collaboration and a little creativity — we can help endangered species thrive while keeping humans safe.

Five people sitting on a panel on a stage, behind them a green screen with text that reads "Over, Under, and Through: Wildlife Connectivity and Resilience in Appalachia," photo credit to DOW.

Five people sitting on a panel on a stage, behind them a map highlighting the Appalachian Mountain region on screen with text that reads "The Southern Appalachians" and a key indicating the highlighted portions of the map represent national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges, photo credit to DOW.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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 .

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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

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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.

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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"

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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

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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

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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?

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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…

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 02/07/2026

The A in USA stands for A lot of bald eagles!

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 30/06/2026

Just outside Washington, D.C. in Northeast Virginia, you can find Bald Eagles in Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge! (5/5)

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 30/06/2026

In New York, you can find Bald Eagles in Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge! (4/5)

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 30/06/2026

In Illinois, you can find Bald Eagles in Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge! (3/5)

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 30/06/2026

In Maryland, you can find Bald Eagles in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge! (2/5)

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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)

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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

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 27/06/2026

🦋 It’s definitely butterfly season 🦋

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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 ⚽

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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.

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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

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 24/06/2026

In Vermont, you can find Bobolinks in Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge! (7/7)

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 24/06/2026

In Delaware, you can find Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrels in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge! (6/7)

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 24/06/2026

In Alabama, you can find Whooping Cranes in Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge! (5/7)

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 24/06/2026

In Ohio, you can find Little Brown Bats in Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge! (4/7)

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 24/06/2026

In Minnesota, you can find Rusty-Patched Bumble Bees in Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge! (3/7)

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 24/06/2026

In Wyoming, you can find Wyoming Toads in Mortenson Lake National Wildlife Refuge! (2/7)

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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)

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Defenders of Wildlife @defenders.org · 18/06/2026

In Rhode Island, you can find Saltmarsh Sparrows in John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge! (7/7)

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