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.
Trophy Hunting Wolves?
The Endangered Species Act is the only thing that stands between some wolves and sport hunters. Tell Interior Secretary Ken Salazar not to strip wolves of ESA protection.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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January 13, 2012
Reward Offered for Information in Two Bald Eagle Deaths in Kansas
The HSUS and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of up to $2,500 per case for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally killing two bald eagles in Kansas.
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December 30, 2011
2011 ACE Documentary Grant Winners
The Humane Society of the United States awards the 2011 ACE Documentary Film Grant to "Cages of Shame," about bears held captive on bile farms in China.
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December 29, 2011
2011: Beautiful Victories for Animals in Laboratories
What do Botox, the Endangered Species Act, and biomedical research have in common? Find out about The HSUS's work to protect animals in laboratories in 2011.
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November 9, 2011
Five Chimpanzees Released from Laboratory Life
Five of the 26 elderly chimpanzees at New Iberia Research Center have been retired to a sanctuary. Please take action to free the 21 elderly chimpanzees who remain there, then help hundreds of other chimpanzees around the country who still suffer.
Our Victories
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January 5, 2011
Shark Conservation Act Signed into Law to Curb Cruel Shark Finning
The HSUS, HSI and the Humane Society Legislative Fund applaud President Barack Obama for signing an important bipartisan bill that will increase protection for sharks from the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning.
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December 21, 2010
Shark Conservation Act Wins Final Congressional Approval
The HSUS, Humane Society International and the Humane Society Legislative Fund commend the U.S. House for giving final congressional approval to legislation that will increase protection for sharks from the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning.
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November 23, 2010
Federal Appeals Court Blocks Sea Lion Killing at Bonneville Dam
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco halted the National Marine Fisheries Service’s program to kill federally protected sea lions at the Bonneville Dam on the Washington and Oregon border.
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November 9, 2010
The HSUS and Washington Humane Society Praise DC Council for Passing Wildlife Protection Act
The HSUS and the Washington Humane Society praised the D.C. Council for passing legislation to regulate wildlife control operators in the District, ensuring consumer protection and humane treatment of wildlife.