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
How well do you know your hibernation durations?💤⌛
February 12, 2026 at 5:40 PM
How well do you know your hibernation durations?💤⌛
A salad for my friend, the Sitka black-tailed deer, please 🥗
The Sitka black-tailed deer thrives on a diverse diet of woody plants and shrubs along the forest floor. This diet is why the lush, old-growth rainforest of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia is an ideal home!
dfnd.us/3MAsKRe
The Sitka black-tailed deer thrives on a diverse diet of woody plants and shrubs along the forest floor. This diet is why the lush, old-growth rainforest of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia is an ideal home!
dfnd.us/3MAsKRe
February 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM
A salad for my friend, the Sitka black-tailed deer, please 🥗
The Sitka black-tailed deer thrives on a diverse diet of woody plants and shrubs along the forest floor. This diet is why the lush, old-growth rainforest of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia is an ideal home!
dfnd.us/3MAsKRe
The Sitka black-tailed deer thrives on a diverse diet of woody plants and shrubs along the forest floor. This diet is why the lush, old-growth rainforest of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia is an ideal home!
dfnd.us/3MAsKRe
Many of our favorite animals are also exceptional swimmers, acrobats, divers, plungers, waddlers, athletes, and all-around wonders!
Who do you think will take home gold at our Winter Olympics?
❄️⛷️🥇🥈🥉🏂❄️
(1/9)
Who do you think will take home gold at our Winter Olympics?
❄️⛷️🥇🥈🥉🏂❄️
(1/9)
February 10, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Many of our favorite animals are also exceptional swimmers, acrobats, divers, plungers, waddlers, athletes, and all-around wonders!
Who do you think will take home gold at our Winter Olympics?
❄️⛷️🥇🥈🥉🏂❄️
(1/9)
Who do you think will take home gold at our Winter Olympics?
❄️⛷️🥇🥈🥉🏂❄️
(1/9)
Protecting the Rice’s whale isn’t just about their own extinction. Their loss would spell disaster for the ocean systems that regulate climate, support biodiversity, and ultimately make human life possible.
Read more: dfnd.us/45VHdxN 🐋
Read more: dfnd.us/45VHdxN 🐋
Rice’s Whales, Connecticut’s Responsibility and the Cost of Letting Extinction Happen
“The stakes for ensuring the continued survival of the Rice’s whales, a true national treasure, stretch far beyond the Gulf. It is vital that the protections legally required by the […]
dfnd.us
February 10, 2026 at 12:05 AM
Protecting the Rice’s whale isn’t just about their own extinction. Their loss would spell disaster for the ocean systems that regulate climate, support biodiversity, and ultimately make human life possible.
Read more: dfnd.us/45VHdxN 🐋
Read more: dfnd.us/45VHdxN 🐋
This week, the U.S. Forest Service celebrated its 121st anniversary! 🎉
The U.S. Forest Service is tasked with the management, conservation, and stewardship of the 193 million acres of national forests🌲and grasslands 🌱 in the United States.
The U.S. Forest Service is tasked with the management, conservation, and stewardship of the 193 million acres of national forests🌲and grasslands 🌱 in the United States.
February 6, 2026 at 5:57 PM
This week, the U.S. Forest Service celebrated its 121st anniversary! 🎉
The U.S. Forest Service is tasked with the management, conservation, and stewardship of the 193 million acres of national forests🌲and grasslands 🌱 in the United States.
The U.S. Forest Service is tasked with the management, conservation, and stewardship of the 193 million acres of national forests🌲and grasslands 🌱 in the United States.
A dark cloud hangs over the Endangered Species Act as the House prepares to vote on the ESA Amendments Act of 2025 – a dangerous bill that flouts science and threatens wildlife.
Your representative could cast a vote on the future of the ESA. Tell them to defend endangered species!
dfnd.us/4khs0g8
Your representative could cast a vote on the future of the ESA. Tell them to defend endangered species!
dfnd.us/4khs0g8
February 5, 2026 at 9:43 PM
A dark cloud hangs over the Endangered Species Act as the House prepares to vote on the ESA Amendments Act of 2025 – a dangerous bill that flouts science and threatens wildlife.
Your representative could cast a vote on the future of the ESA. Tell them to defend endangered species!
dfnd.us/4khs0g8
Your representative could cast a vote on the future of the ESA. Tell them to defend endangered species!
dfnd.us/4khs0g8
Bundle up when out in the cold, unless you’re an Arctic fox!
Arctic foxes have compact bodies that help minimize surface area exposed to cold air. Their short muzzle, ears, and legs help conserve heat, and their thick fur allows them to maintain a consistent body temperature!
dfnd.us/45HfLDQ
Arctic foxes have compact bodies that help minimize surface area exposed to cold air. Their short muzzle, ears, and legs help conserve heat, and their thick fur allows them to maintain a consistent body temperature!
dfnd.us/45HfLDQ
February 4, 2026 at 11:55 PM
Bundle up when out in the cold, unless you’re an Arctic fox!
Arctic foxes have compact bodies that help minimize surface area exposed to cold air. Their short muzzle, ears, and legs help conserve heat, and their thick fur allows them to maintain a consistent body temperature!
dfnd.us/45HfLDQ
Arctic foxes have compact bodies that help minimize surface area exposed to cold air. Their short muzzle, ears, and legs help conserve heat, and their thick fur allows them to maintain a consistent body temperature!
dfnd.us/45HfLDQ
When three gray wolves wandered south out of Yellowstone and into Utah this winter, they were doing what wolves have always done: dispersing, exploring and following instinct rather than invisible lines on a map. For that, Utah killed them.
We can — and must — do better.
Read more: dfnd.us/4kgmZ7B
We can — and must — do better.
Read more: dfnd.us/4kgmZ7B
February 3, 2026 at 7:05 PM
When three gray wolves wandered south out of Yellowstone and into Utah this winter, they were doing what wolves have always done: dispersing, exploring and following instinct rather than invisible lines on a map. For that, Utah killed them.
We can — and must — do better.
Read more: dfnd.us/4kgmZ7B
We can — and must — do better.
Read more: dfnd.us/4kgmZ7B
On a cold, chilly, breezy, freezing, shivering day, there’s nothing better than getting cozy ❄️
February 2, 2026 at 5:20 PM
On a cold, chilly, breezy, freezing, shivering day, there’s nothing better than getting cozy ❄️
Everybody’s got some bad habits, but some of our habits need a change.
January 30, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Everybody’s got some bad habits, but some of our habits need a change.
This week, Pamela Flick, our California Program Director, testified at a hearing on human-wildlife conflict hosted by the California Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, joining others in voicing our support for coexistence programs in the state!
@asmdianepapan.bsky.social @governor.ca.gov
@asmdianepapan.bsky.social @governor.ca.gov
January 30, 2026 at 2:30 PM
This week, Pamela Flick, our California Program Director, testified at a hearing on human-wildlife conflict hosted by the California Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, joining others in voicing our support for coexistence programs in the state!
@asmdianepapan.bsky.social @governor.ca.gov
@asmdianepapan.bsky.social @governor.ca.gov
Where do sea otters keep their favorite tools? 🦦
No, this isn’t the beginning of a hilarious otter-themed joke; it’s a real question about some peculiar animal habits! Many animals exhibit behaviors that may seem strange to us, but to them it’s a normal part of life.
Learn more! 🧵⬇️ (1/6)
No, this isn’t the beginning of a hilarious otter-themed joke; it’s a real question about some peculiar animal habits! Many animals exhibit behaviors that may seem strange to us, but to them it’s a normal part of life.
Learn more! 🧵⬇️ (1/6)
January 29, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Where do sea otters keep their favorite tools? 🦦
No, this isn’t the beginning of a hilarious otter-themed joke; it’s a real question about some peculiar animal habits! Many animals exhibit behaviors that may seem strange to us, but to them it’s a normal part of life.
Learn more! 🧵⬇️ (1/6)
No, this isn’t the beginning of a hilarious otter-themed joke; it’s a real question about some peculiar animal habits! Many animals exhibit behaviors that may seem strange to us, but to them it’s a normal part of life.
Learn more! 🧵⬇️ (1/6)
Did you know that beetles 🪲 make up 25% of all accounted for animal species? Found in nearly every habitat in the world, beetles form the order Coleoptera, the largest of all orders.
Move over John, Paul, Ringo, and George and say hello to Hercules, Ladybug, Scarab, and Weevil!
Move over John, Paul, Ringo, and George and say hello to Hercules, Ladybug, Scarab, and Weevil!
January 28, 2026 at 11:18 PM
Did you know that beetles 🪲 make up 25% of all accounted for animal species? Found in nearly every habitat in the world, beetles form the order Coleoptera, the largest of all orders.
Move over John, Paul, Ringo, and George and say hello to Hercules, Ladybug, Scarab, and Weevil!
Move over John, Paul, Ringo, and George and say hello to Hercules, Ladybug, Scarab, and Weevil!
“Repealing the Roadless Area Conservation Rule would not be in the long-term interest of the American people, the National Forests or the communities they serve.”
Four former U.S. Forest Service chiefs wrote in support of the Roadless Rule.
Read it on @thehill.com: dfnd.us/3M9Glig
Four former U.S. Forest Service chiefs wrote in support of the Roadless Rule.
Read it on @thehill.com: dfnd.us/3M9Glig
dfnd.us
January 28, 2026 at 5:14 PM
“Repealing the Roadless Area Conservation Rule would not be in the long-term interest of the American people, the National Forests or the communities they serve.”
Four former U.S. Forest Service chiefs wrote in support of the Roadless Rule.
Read it on @thehill.com: dfnd.us/3M9Glig
Four former U.S. Forest Service chiefs wrote in support of the Roadless Rule.
Read it on @thehill.com: dfnd.us/3M9Glig
A Great Gray Owl lands on a post in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming 🦉
Photo credit to Jim Chagares.
Photo credit to Jim Chagares.
January 26, 2026 at 8:31 PM
A Great Gray Owl lands on a post in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming 🦉
Photo credit to Jim Chagares.
Photo credit to Jim Chagares.
A wolverine treks higher into the mountains in search of deep snowpack for his den. Due to her favorite food becoming scarcer, a sea otter uses tools to broaden her food sources.
For wildlife, changing behavior is not a choice. It’s survival.🌱
(1/7)🧵⤵️
For wildlife, changing behavior is not a choice. It’s survival.🌱
(1/7)🧵⤵️
January 22, 2026 at 6:45 PM
A wolverine treks higher into the mountains in search of deep snowpack for his den. Due to her favorite food becoming scarcer, a sea otter uses tools to broaden her food sources.
For wildlife, changing behavior is not a choice. It’s survival.🌱
(1/7)🧵⤵️
For wildlife, changing behavior is not a choice. It’s survival.🌱
(1/7)🧵⤵️
Reposted by Defenders of Wildlife
Say NO to offshore drilling.
Any expansion of offshore drilling is simply reckless. Thankfully, the Department of the Interior is taking public feedback on their draft Offshore Drilling Plan – this is our chance to protect our coastal wildlife and communities.
Submit your comment: dfnd.us/4boxVxC
Any expansion of offshore drilling is simply reckless. Thankfully, the Department of the Interior is taking public feedback on their draft Offshore Drilling Plan – this is our chance to protect our coastal wildlife and communities.
Submit your comment: dfnd.us/4boxVxC
January 16, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Say NO to offshore drilling.
Any expansion of offshore drilling is simply reckless. Thankfully, the Department of the Interior is taking public feedback on their draft Offshore Drilling Plan – this is our chance to protect our coastal wildlife and communities.
Submit your comment: dfnd.us/4boxVxC
Any expansion of offshore drilling is simply reckless. Thankfully, the Department of the Interior is taking public feedback on their draft Offshore Drilling Plan – this is our chance to protect our coastal wildlife and communities.
Submit your comment: dfnd.us/4boxVxC
DYK the top carnivore of the Sonoran Desert weighs in at around 3 ounces & stands just over 6 inches tall? If you were a lizard or bug, you’d fear the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl!
While small, they play an outsized role in the health and vitality of entire ecosystems. dfnd.us/3ZlL82X 🦉
While small, they play an outsized role in the health and vitality of entire ecosystems. dfnd.us/3ZlL82X 🦉
January 21, 2026 at 4:11 PM
DYK the top carnivore of the Sonoran Desert weighs in at around 3 ounces & stands just over 6 inches tall? If you were a lizard or bug, you’d fear the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl!
While small, they play an outsized role in the health and vitality of entire ecosystems. dfnd.us/3ZlL82X 🦉
While small, they play an outsized role in the health and vitality of entire ecosystems. dfnd.us/3ZlL82X 🦉
Today, I’m grateful for polar bear cubs because they know how to enjoy a cold day ❄️
January 20, 2026 at 9:49 PM
Today, I’m grateful for polar bear cubs because they know how to enjoy a cold day ❄️
Say NO to offshore drilling.
Any expansion of offshore drilling is simply reckless. Thankfully, the Department of the Interior is taking public feedback on their draft Offshore Drilling Plan – this is our chance to protect our coastal wildlife and communities.
Submit your comment: dfnd.us/4boxVxC
Any expansion of offshore drilling is simply reckless. Thankfully, the Department of the Interior is taking public feedback on their draft Offshore Drilling Plan – this is our chance to protect our coastal wildlife and communities.
Submit your comment: dfnd.us/4boxVxC
January 16, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Say NO to offshore drilling.
Any expansion of offshore drilling is simply reckless. Thankfully, the Department of the Interior is taking public feedback on their draft Offshore Drilling Plan – this is our chance to protect our coastal wildlife and communities.
Submit your comment: dfnd.us/4boxVxC
Any expansion of offshore drilling is simply reckless. Thankfully, the Department of the Interior is taking public feedback on their draft Offshore Drilling Plan – this is our chance to protect our coastal wildlife and communities.
Submit your comment: dfnd.us/4boxVxC
🗣️📢 Call the clean-up crew!
That’s an important role that wolverines play in nature! By scavenging dead animals, they help recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem and reduce disease spread by eating carcasses.
Learn more about wolverines (and why they’re coming back to Colorado): dfnd.us/4aRMHwQ
That’s an important role that wolverines play in nature! By scavenging dead animals, they help recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem and reduce disease spread by eating carcasses.
Learn more about wolverines (and why they’re coming back to Colorado): dfnd.us/4aRMHwQ
January 14, 2026 at 9:23 PM
🗣️📢 Call the clean-up crew!
That’s an important role that wolverines play in nature! By scavenging dead animals, they help recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem and reduce disease spread by eating carcasses.
Learn more about wolverines (and why they’re coming back to Colorado): dfnd.us/4aRMHwQ
That’s an important role that wolverines play in nature! By scavenging dead animals, they help recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem and reduce disease spread by eating carcasses.
Learn more about wolverines (and why they’re coming back to Colorado): dfnd.us/4aRMHwQ
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