Our Organization
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Defenders of Wildlife do?
How long has Defenders been in existence?
See all FAQs >>
Recent Job Openings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find the answer to your question?
Contact UsWildlife Questions
-
Q: What can I do to help wildlife in my state?
A: The best thing you can do to help wildlife is to get involved in local projects or issues and to contact your elected officials. To find out who your Representative is, call (202) 224-3121. To find out who your State Representative and State Senator is, call (518) 474-2121. You can also become a Defenders' activist and member, write letters to the editor of your local paper, and support wildlife conservation organizations. Visit our Action Center.
-
Q: How do I become an activist?
A: Your voice is a critical component of achieving our goals at Defenders.
You can become an activist by signing up for our activist network. When you sign up you will receive information on how you can get involved to protect wildlife and conserve habitat including:- Information on legislation so you can contact your elected officials
- Information on events and activities in your area
- Information on public comment periods for wildlife decisions
- And much, much more
-
Q: What is Defenders doing about animal abuse? Who can I call?
A: Although Defenders is concerned about the welfare of all animals, our mission is to protect endangered and threatened species and other native wildlife and the habitat upon which they depend.
There are a number of groups solely concerned with animal welfare/abuse issues. You can contact:
The Humane Society of the United States
202-452-1100
American Humane Association
303-792-9900
ASPCA
212-876-7700
Also check your phone book for a local branch of these groups.
-
Q: I have found a wild animal. What should I do with it?
A: Contact your local wildlife rehabilitator, humane society, or ASPCA. One of these should be able to help. Wildlife rehabilitators should be contacted especially if the animal/bird has been injured. Wildlife rehabilitators can often be located in the phone book under "wildlife" or "sanctuaries," or through your local humane association.
-
Q: What is your stance on hunting and trapping?
A: Defenders advocates policies which are in the best interests of all wildlife, by analyzing wildlife management programs to determine the appropriate response. We do not take a position for or against hunting. Defenders opposes all trapping that inflicts pain or causes injury, damages ecological systems, is non-selective, or is conducted for profit or for recreation.
- Q: We are sponsoring a booth (for Earth Day or other event) and would like information about Defenders.
-
Q: Is (animal) an endangered species?
A: Visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's website for more information on endangered species.
-
Q: How do you feel about wolf hybrids?
A: Defenders does not have a specific policy statement regarding wolf hybrids. We do discourage people from keeping hybrids as pets, especially if small children will be around. All dogs are unpredictable; this is especially true of some hybrids. Caution and care are to be taken when raising/handling wolf hybrids.
