Trump’s New Directives Spark Outrage over Wildlife Protections

President Donald Trump has returned to the White House for a second term, and his recent flurry of executive orders has lit up debates about how animals may be affected. From national energy directives to renewed hunting practices, these orders could reshape protections for bears, wolves, and other vulnerable creatures. Environmentalists worry that what seems like a rush to fulfill campaign promises may leave animals out in the cold—or worse, directly in hunters’ crosshairs.

According to a February 2025 article by Kitty Block and Sara Amundson, one early move revoked a rule that barred the cruel practice of bear baiting in Alaska. This means trophy hunters can again lure bears with pastries or grease, making them easy targets. Critics note that this tactic endangers both bears and humans, as habituated wildlife are more likely to wander into campsites and hiking areas. Another order encourages energy development at the expense of the Endangered Species Act, allowing agencies to bypass crucial environmental reviews. Experts say this puts animals already on the brink of extinction at greater risk. According to the Animal Welfare Institute, Trump’s decisions will “decimate wildlife habitat”.

While some see the pause in offshore wind leasing as a sign of caution toward wildlife, critics point out that other directives prioritize fossil fuels, which escalate habitat loss and climate change. Additionally, freezing certain federal funds could hamper anti-wildlife trafficking initiatives, a concerning development for species already threatened by illegal trading networks. During President Trump’s last term, executive orders—such as rescinding the rule against bear baiting in Alaska—rolled back critical protections, significantly impacting bears, wolves, and other vulnerable wildlife.

Despite this string of worrying actions, there are glimmers of hope: the administration has previously supported alternatives to animal testing and stricter standards for some breeding operations. Still, environmental advocates believe much more can—and should—be done.

Now is the moment to stand up for wildlife by urging lawmakers, local officials, and the administration to protect habitats, reinforce anti-cruelty measures, and invest in sustainable energy. Every voice counts in defending animals from policies that roll back hard-won protections.

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