Shameful Wolf Cull

In early February, federal employees with Wildlife Services took to the skies over Idaho's Clearwater National Forest. By the end of the mission, 14 wolves were dead.

Including this latest operation, 42 wolves in this area have been killed this season -- all in an effort to artificially boost elk populations.

Already more than 45,000 Defenders supporters have spoken out to the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) -- the federal agency in charge of Wildlife Services.

Help us reach our goal of sending 60,000 messages by the March 23rd deadline:

If you haven't already, take action now to tell federal officials that killing wolves and other predators for boosting game populations is expensive, unscientific and unnecessary.

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to let others know how they can help!

Hopeful News for Lobos

Endangered Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico have been struggling to regain a foothold on recovery. But in 2011, el lobo numbers rose to at least 58 -- up from 50 in 2010. Even better, the number of breeding pairs increased from just two to six.

While the numbers are still low -- Mexican wolves are still vulnerable and remain the most endangered wolves in the world -- the latest population count indicates that partnerships between ranchers and federal and state officials may be paying off.

Over the past year, Mexican wolf supporters in Arizona and New Mexico have had nearly 40 letters to the editors published in local newspapers, giving these struggling animals a much-needed show of public support. Thanks in part to these wildlife advocates, el lobo is making a howling comeback.

Listen to a Public News Service radio broadcast on the latest el lobo numbers.

Read Defenders' statement.

Montana Wolf Hunt Extension Stopped

Thanks in part to nearly 200 Defenders supporters in Montana, the state's wolf hunt will not be extended in the Bitterroot Valley into denning season. Montana's Department of Fish & Game voted unanimously against a proposal for an extension through April 1st.

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Court Win for Forest Wildlife

Last month, a federal court sided with Defenders and overturned Bush-era rules that violated protections for imperiled wildlife and wild places. The ruling restores the vital role of wildlife experts in forest fire planning.

>>Learn More

Give Us Your Best Shot

Picture yourself on a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks -- it could happen!

Defenders' annual photo contest is in full swing! Submit up to six images by Thursday, March 15 and you could win a wide range of prizes, including the Grand Prize: a guided photography trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks!

Share your best photos and get a chance to see them printed in the next issue of Defenders newsletter, our calendar or on our website!

So, grab a camera, go exploring -- and give us your best shot!

Enter to Win Today!

Read an interview with renowned wildlife photographer Jess Lee on the Grand Prize guided trip to Yellowstone.