From the Inbox: Deadly Roads for People & Wildlife

Watch Out for Wildlife The fall is all too often one of the deadliest times for wildlife near roads and highways. Experts estimate that up to 1.5 million wildlife-vehicle collisions occur in the United States every year. And roads are a leading cause of decline for some species. In fact, vehicle collisions are a leading cause of death for the critically endangered Florida panther -- a record 17 panthers were killed by vehicles in 2009. But animals aren’t the only victims: More than 200 motorists are killed in wildlife-vehicle collisions in the U.S. every year. Defenders’ Watch Out for Wildlife Week (September 12-18) is raising awareness of the dangers our roads pose to wildlife -- and you can help. Watch a slideshow and take action: Urge your U.S. Representative to make our roadways safer for wildlife and motorists alike. Feature A Partnership for Coexistence Defenders’ livestock compensation program has been a resounding success in helping ranchers who live and work in wolf country. Now, with federal and state programs taking over, Defenders is free to focus on projects that keep wolves out of harm’s way, working with ranchers to avoid conflicts between wolves and livestock -- before any animals get hurt. Learn more about our Coexistence Partnership. Read Defenders' press release. Wins for Wildlife Be Sea Otter Aware Defenders' annual Sea Otter Awareness Week kicks off later this month with events across the country and around the globe focusing on these imperiled marine mammals. To learn more and to see if sea otter events are happening near you, visit our website. >> Learn More Your Voices for Wolves More than 62,000 Defenders supporters spoke out against a federal plan to escalate wolf-killing in the Northern Rockies -- including shooting entire packs by helicopter and gassing helpless pups in their dens -- during the public comment period last month. Defenders will continue to monitor this plan and work to ensure it does not get implemented. Win for Plovers A federal judge ruled in favor of designating critical habitat areas for the wintering piping plover in North Carolina -- a big win for these struggling shorebirds! >>Learn More Wolves on Television The documentary Lords of Nature tells the story of how wolves and other top carnivores can revitalize nature, and how society is now learning tolerance for beasts they once banished. This month, several PBS stations will broadcast this fascinating film. Check to see if your local station is one of them. >>Learn More Defending Wildlife Crafty Defenders Etsy for Animals, a team of “artists helping animals” through sales of handcrafted goods, vintage items and artist supplies, has selected Defenders of Wildlife as its September charity of the month! All this month, a portion of their online sales will be donated to Defenders. They’ll also be promoting Defenders and our causes through the Etsy for Animals blog. Whether you’re getting a head start on your holiday shopping or looking to treat yourself, check out Etsy for Animals’ great lineup of products and help Defenders help wildlife! Learn more at the Etsy for Animals blog. See the more than 400 handcrafted goods that support our work. Share this edition of eNews

Renew your Defenders membership for 2011! Beavers These furry engineers play a crucial role in conservation. Watch a slideshow and learn more in Defenders magazine. Download our latest wallpaper for your computer desktop! Defenders is on flickr! Join our group to share your wildlife photos Part of an online social network? Connect with us! Defenders’ Brian Bovard shares a tip on how you can cut down on plastics -- and the pollution they cause. Watch the video and get more simple steps to improve your WildLifeStyle." Whether you are an activist looking for ways to make your voice heard or a biologist seeking a conference where you can share your latest paper, Defenders has an event for you. Click here for the latest upcoming events.