Defenders of Wildlife

Rule Changes

Opposing the rule

Sport hunters can again lure bears to bait piles on Alaska's national preserves and shoot them at close range. The National Park Service rule, published in the Federal Register on Oct. 19, replaces a 2024 ban and takes effect Nov. 18.

Updated Oct 26

New Capabilities

As of September 2026: Public advocate and program partner

In the 1970s, federal agents captured the last wild Mexican gray wolves in northern Mexico, seven animals that became the founders of a captive breeding program. Fifty years later, two packs descended from those wolves were released into Durango's Sierra Madre Occidental, their first wild home in Mexico since the subspecies vanished there.

Updated Sep 25

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Opposing the executive order

President Trump signed an executive order Sept. 4 directing the Interior Department to determine whether gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves have recovered enough to lose Endangered Species Act protections. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has 90 days to decide whether to begin delisting the animals, a process that would shift wolf management from federal to state control.

Updated Sep 7