Defenders of Wildlife
@defenders.org
Defenders of Wildlife leads the pack when it comes to protecting wild animals and plants in their natural communities. #ActAgainstExtinction
Happy 25th anniversary to the Roadless Area Conservation Rule!
This Rule protects some of our most pristine forests and the wildlife that calls these areas home. Species like these are just a snippet of animals across the country that benefit from the Rule’s protections.
This Rule protects some of our most pristine forests and the wildlife that calls these areas home. Species like these are just a snippet of animals across the country that benefit from the Rule’s protections.
January 12, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Happy 25th anniversary to the Roadless Area Conservation Rule!
This Rule protects some of our most pristine forests and the wildlife that calls these areas home. Species like these are just a snippet of animals across the country that benefit from the Rule’s protections.
This Rule protects some of our most pristine forests and the wildlife that calls these areas home. Species like these are just a snippet of animals across the country that benefit from the Rule’s protections.
Flying out of 2025 into Dry January like...
January 9, 2026 at 9:12 PM
Flying out of 2025 into Dry January like...
Our journeys into 2026 may be long, but we aren’t alone!
Each year whales all over will trek thousands of miles in search of warm waters and breeding waters. For humpbacks, they almost always return to the same breeding grounds throughout their lives.
Even if they're long, we know it's worth it!
Each year whales all over will trek thousands of miles in search of warm waters and breeding waters. For humpbacks, they almost always return to the same breeding grounds throughout their lives.
Even if they're long, we know it's worth it!
January 8, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Our journeys into 2026 may be long, but we aren’t alone!
Each year whales all over will trek thousands of miles in search of warm waters and breeding waters. For humpbacks, they almost always return to the same breeding grounds throughout their lives.
Even if they're long, we know it's worth it!
Each year whales all over will trek thousands of miles in search of warm waters and breeding waters. For humpbacks, they almost always return to the same breeding grounds throughout their lives.
Even if they're long, we know it's worth it!
When you’re in Florida waterways, what you’re seeing is likely not a floating rock but a manatee!
Manatees face many threats, but one of the most serious—and preventable—is collisions with watercraft. So, if you’re out boating in manatee waters, slow down and keep your eyes open!
dfnd.us/4sqDyS4
Manatees face many threats, but one of the most serious—and preventable—is collisions with watercraft. So, if you’re out boating in manatee waters, slow down and keep your eyes open!
dfnd.us/4sqDyS4
January 7, 2026 at 4:14 PM
When you’re in Florida waterways, what you’re seeing is likely not a floating rock but a manatee!
Manatees face many threats, but one of the most serious—and preventable—is collisions with watercraft. So, if you’re out boating in manatee waters, slow down and keep your eyes open!
dfnd.us/4sqDyS4
Manatees face many threats, but one of the most serious—and preventable—is collisions with watercraft. So, if you’re out boating in manatee waters, slow down and keep your eyes open!
dfnd.us/4sqDyS4
Resolutions can be amazing opportunities to set new intentions and make new habits in the new year. Consider making a new habit of protecting animals in small and large ways.
Here are some of our 2026 Resolutions for Wildlife! 📝
Here are some of our 2026 Resolutions for Wildlife! 📝
January 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Resolutions can be amazing opportunities to set new intentions and make new habits in the new year. Consider making a new habit of protecting animals in small and large ways.
Here are some of our 2026 Resolutions for Wildlife! 📝
Here are some of our 2026 Resolutions for Wildlife! 📝
Same, bear...wake us up when it’s the 2nd.
January 1, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Same, bear...wake us up when it’s the 2nd.
Did you know opossums don’t choose to “play dead?” They’re entering a state called tonic immobility. No, it’s not the newest trendy drink, but it’s their body’s response to extreme stress.
If you stumble upon an opossum “playing dead,” it means they want you to lose interest in them and move along!
If you stumble upon an opossum “playing dead,” it means they want you to lose interest in them and move along!
December 31, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Did you know opossums don’t choose to “play dead?” They’re entering a state called tonic immobility. No, it’s not the newest trendy drink, but it’s their body’s response to extreme stress.
If you stumble upon an opossum “playing dead,” it means they want you to lose interest in them and move along!
If you stumble upon an opossum “playing dead,” it means they want you to lose interest in them and move along!
2025 hasn't been easy. But, for many species, communities and regions, there were victories to celebrate! In fact, there were plenty to choose from – so, we made it a little easier for you.
From historic bison transfers to new wolf pups across the country, here’s our Top Five Wins of 2025!
From historic bison transfers to new wolf pups across the country, here’s our Top Five Wins of 2025!
December 30, 2025 at 8:43 PM
2025 hasn't been easy. But, for many species, communities and regions, there were victories to celebrate! In fact, there were plenty to choose from – so, we made it a little easier for you.
From historic bison transfers to new wolf pups across the country, here’s our Top Five Wins of 2025!
From historic bison transfers to new wolf pups across the country, here’s our Top Five Wins of 2025!
It’s always good to give!
December 25, 2025 at 4:12 PM
It’s always good to give!
DYK: the Izembek tundra swan is the world’s only non-migratory population of swans? They remain in and around Izembek’s rich geothermal lagoons year-round, enduring harsh winter conditions instead of migrating elsewhere.
Why migrate when you have a jacuzzi at home?
Learn more: dfnd.us/4qlhgQ1
Why migrate when you have a jacuzzi at home?
Learn more: dfnd.us/4qlhgQ1
December 24, 2025 at 5:56 PM
DYK: the Izembek tundra swan is the world’s only non-migratory population of swans? They remain in and around Izembek’s rich geothermal lagoons year-round, enduring harsh winter conditions instead of migrating elsewhere.
Why migrate when you have a jacuzzi at home?
Learn more: dfnd.us/4qlhgQ1
Why migrate when you have a jacuzzi at home?
Learn more: dfnd.us/4qlhgQ1
This holiday season,
as carols are sung,
remember this promise
and pass it along:
From ocean to meadow,
from mountains to sand,
we're ALL the defenders
of our public lands.
Read more from “The Grinch Who Stole Public Lands Protections” on our blog: dfnd.us/3Y5Vtj4 💚
as carols are sung,
remember this promise
and pass it along:
From ocean to meadow,
from mountains to sand,
we're ALL the defenders
of our public lands.
Read more from “The Grinch Who Stole Public Lands Protections” on our blog: dfnd.us/3Y5Vtj4 💚
December 23, 2025 at 8:37 PM
This holiday season,
as carols are sung,
remember this promise
and pass it along:
From ocean to meadow,
from mountains to sand,
we're ALL the defenders
of our public lands.
Read more from “The Grinch Who Stole Public Lands Protections” on our blog: dfnd.us/3Y5Vtj4 💚
as carols are sung,
remember this promise
and pass it along:
From ocean to meadow,
from mountains to sand,
we're ALL the defenders
of our public lands.
Read more from “The Grinch Who Stole Public Lands Protections” on our blog: dfnd.us/3Y5Vtj4 💚
Need a last-minute holiday card? Look no further than our festive feathered and furry friends in the wild.
They’ve got dashing reindeer, blustery bison, caroling wolves and winter wonderlands a-plenty! ❄️
They’ve got dashing reindeer, blustery bison, caroling wolves and winter wonderlands a-plenty! ❄️
December 22, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Need a last-minute holiday card? Look no further than our festive feathered and furry friends in the wild.
They’ve got dashing reindeer, blustery bison, caroling wolves and winter wonderlands a-plenty! ❄️
They’ve got dashing reindeer, blustery bison, caroling wolves and winter wonderlands a-plenty! ❄️
Nobody should be pro-extinction. But when you let economics guide your decisions instead of the best science, it may seem that way.
Let’s put science back in the driver’s seat and protect the Endangered Species Act. dfnd.us/48w2Bda
Let’s put science back in the driver’s seat and protect the Endangered Species Act. dfnd.us/48w2Bda
December 21, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Nobody should be pro-extinction. But when you let economics guide your decisions instead of the best science, it may seem that way.
Let’s put science back in the driver’s seat and protect the Endangered Species Act. dfnd.us/48w2Bda
Let’s put science back in the driver’s seat and protect the Endangered Species Act. dfnd.us/48w2Bda
Have some natural light for the darkest day of the year!
December 20, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Have some natural light for the darkest day of the year!
The deceptively named Pet and Livestock Protection Act passed in the House by a narrow margin today and now moves to the Senate.
Make no mistake; this bill won’t protect pets and livestock – but it will gut ESA protections for gray wolves and block any attempt to challenge this delisting in court.
Make no mistake; this bill won’t protect pets and livestock – but it will gut ESA protections for gray wolves and block any attempt to challenge this delisting in court.
December 19, 2025 at 8:04 PM
The deceptively named Pet and Livestock Protection Act passed in the House by a narrow margin today and now moves to the Senate.
Make no mistake; this bill won’t protect pets and livestock – but it will gut ESA protections for gray wolves and block any attempt to challenge this delisting in court.
Make no mistake; this bill won’t protect pets and livestock – but it will gut ESA protections for gray wolves and block any attempt to challenge this delisting in court.
You’ve heard of Elf on the Shelf so get ready for...
December 18, 2025 at 4:19 PM
You’ve heard of Elf on the Shelf so get ready for...
DYK we can jumpstart ecosystem recovery in some rivers and streams by throwing large trees into rivers and building our own beaver dams?
Just like the original ecosystem engineers, beavers, we don’t need hardhats or cranes to build these structures – just some logs and sticks!
dfnd.us/48EYAEH
Just like the original ecosystem engineers, beavers, we don’t need hardhats or cranes to build these structures – just some logs and sticks!
dfnd.us/48EYAEH
December 17, 2025 at 5:07 PM
DYK we can jumpstart ecosystem recovery in some rivers and streams by throwing large trees into rivers and building our own beaver dams?
Just like the original ecosystem engineers, beavers, we don’t need hardhats or cranes to build these structures – just some logs and sticks!
dfnd.us/48EYAEH
Just like the original ecosystem engineers, beavers, we don’t need hardhats or cranes to build these structures – just some logs and sticks!
dfnd.us/48EYAEH
If wolves are to have a chance at recovery in the Lower 48, they need federal protection, science, and public input – not politics, ignorance and the premature delisting of gray wolves.
Tell your representatives to oppose the misleadingly named Pet and Livestock Protection Act: dfnd.us/4954yhk
Tell your representatives to oppose the misleadingly named Pet and Livestock Protection Act: dfnd.us/4954yhk
December 16, 2025 at 8:05 PM
If wolves are to have a chance at recovery in the Lower 48, they need federal protection, science, and public input – not politics, ignorance and the premature delisting of gray wolves.
Tell your representatives to oppose the misleadingly named Pet and Livestock Protection Act: dfnd.us/4954yhk
Tell your representatives to oppose the misleadingly named Pet and Livestock Protection Act: dfnd.us/4954yhk
Culture isn’t just for us! As scientists observe distinctions like whale song dialects, we’re recognizing many animals exhibit something like human culture.
You won’t find orcas at the ballet. Instead, think of animal cultures as specific behaviors passed on socially within groups.
dfnd.us/3XKr6hX
You won’t find orcas at the ballet. Instead, think of animal cultures as specific behaviors passed on socially within groups.
dfnd.us/3XKr6hX
December 15, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Culture isn’t just for us! As scientists observe distinctions like whale song dialects, we’re recognizing many animals exhibit something like human culture.
You won’t find orcas at the ballet. Instead, think of animal cultures as specific behaviors passed on socially within groups.
dfnd.us/3XKr6hX
You won’t find orcas at the ballet. Instead, think of animal cultures as specific behaviors passed on socially within groups.
dfnd.us/3XKr6hX
Where would you sit? ✈️
December 13, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Where would you sit? ✈️
If you’re going to choose a controversial color like Cloud Dancer ☁️, at least make it a little wild 🐾
December 12, 2025 at 7:12 PM
If you’re going to choose a controversial color like Cloud Dancer ☁️, at least make it a little wild 🐾
The trek home for the holidays can be a long one, but when you get there, you know you can finally kick your feet, or wings, or flippers, or hooves up with your loved ones!
December 11, 2025 at 5:20 PM
The trek home for the holidays can be a long one, but when you get there, you know you can finally kick your feet, or wings, or flippers, or hooves up with your loved ones!
As the most aquatic garter snake, the giant garter snake can be found swimming in natural wetlands like marshes, sloughs, ponds and small lakes and streams, as well as artificial waterways and agricultural wetlands!
Read our blog to learn more about California's state snake. dfnd.us/44QKayP
Read our blog to learn more about California's state snake. dfnd.us/44QKayP
December 10, 2025 at 3:54 PM
As the most aquatic garter snake, the giant garter snake can be found swimming in natural wetlands like marshes, sloughs, ponds and small lakes and streams, as well as artificial waterways and agricultural wetlands!
Read our blog to learn more about California's state snake. dfnd.us/44QKayP
Read our blog to learn more about California's state snake. dfnd.us/44QKayP
Sometimes the wild world can hit close to home!
The annoying little sibling, the cool cousin, the helpful parent – all these family dynamics can help us learn a bit more about symbiotic relationships.
The annoying little sibling, the cool cousin, the helpful parent – all these family dynamics can help us learn a bit more about symbiotic relationships.
December 9, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Sometimes the wild world can hit close to home!
The annoying little sibling, the cool cousin, the helpful parent – all these family dynamics can help us learn a bit more about symbiotic relationships.
The annoying little sibling, the cool cousin, the helpful parent – all these family dynamics can help us learn a bit more about symbiotic relationships.