There are many ways that people can push wildlife populations toward extinction: destruction of habitat, pollution, hunting, and collection for food or sale to the pet, research, entertainment, or souvenir industries, etc. Fortunately, there are just as many ways that we can fight for these animals
Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, an "endangered" species is one in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its natural habitat. A "threatened" species is one likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.
Other federal laws protecting wild animals and their habitats include the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Wild Bird Conservation Act. States often have laws to protect imperiled species and the United States has signed many international agreements.
The HSUS is vigilant is assuring that laws are enforced and the species protected.
We're Trying to Protect Polar Bears
Humane Society International, International Fund for Animal Welfare and Defenders of Wildlife have urged the United States to lead the way to end international commercial trade in polar bear parts.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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March 12, 2010
HSI Urges Nations to Protect Wildlife from International Trade
At the meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, HSI urges nations to support proposals to increase or retain protection for species threatened by international commercial trade.
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March 5, 2010
Reward Offered in Case of Injured Golden Eagle in Utah
The HSUS and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally plucking an injured golden eagle’s tail feathers in Sevier County, Utah.
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March 5, 2010
Study Reveals Little Economic Benefit of Polar Bear Trophy Hunting in Canada
A new study jointly released by HSI and International Fund for Animal Welfare reveals that polar bear hunts provide little economic benefit to Canada’s Inuit communities.
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March 4, 2010
HSI Applauds MPs Supporting Ban in Trade of Threatened Polar Bears
HSI/UK applauds the Members of Parliament who have signed a motion calling on the government to support increased protection for polar bears.
Our Victories
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December 29, 2009
2009: A Banner Year for Animals
The HSUS reflects on some major achievements for animal protection in 2009. Countless animals have been rescued from harm, spared from suffering and guaranteed basic standards of humane treatment.
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November 16, 2009
An Eagle Eye on Wildlife
Last Friday, Wayne Pacelle paid a visit to our newest animal care center—the SPCA Wildlife Care Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
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November 13, 2009
La Jolla Seals Decision
The HSUS heralds the ruling by Judge Timothy Taylor of the Superior Court of California in San Diego to allow harbor seals to continue living at Casa Beach in La Jolla. In his ruling, Judge Taylor vacated two previous judicial orders that would have required the City of San Diego to disperse the seals and to dredge the beach to ensure the seals did not return.
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June 29, 2009
Settlement Restores Endangered Species Act Protections To Great Lakes Wolves
A coalition of wolf advocates led by The HSUS has reached a settlement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore federal Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the Great Lakes region.