Guided by the founding principles of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, federal wildlife officers protect wildlife and habitat and make refuges safe places for staff and visitors; conserve America’s natural resources; and seek to exemplify excellence in public service to all.

What We Do

Our Services

Federal wildlife officers are law enforcement professionals charged with protecting natural resources and public safety across the National Wildlife Refuge System. Their jobs may entail welcoming early morning refuge visitors, checking hunter licenses alongside state game wardens, helping refuge staff conduct biological surveys or giving a safety presentation to local schoolchildren. 

Conservation 

Federal wildlife officers safeguard America’s wildlife and federal lands and waters through enforcement activities on national wildlife refuges. Additionally, they collaborate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement to enforce federal wildlife laws such as the Lacey Act in nearby communities. 

Protection 

Federal wildlife officers safeguard people and facilities in cooperation with local jurisdictions to ensure public safety. For example, they may search for lost or missing visitors, arrest violent offenders, conduct drug enforcement activities or aid in border security. 

Community Involvement

Federal wildlife officers work to match the needs of visitors and local communities with their conservation protection duties by conducting youth wildlife officer camps, teaching hunter education classes and mentoring young anglers. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Honor Guard, made up of federal wildlife officers, deploys as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service presence at funeral services for fallen employees. The Honor Guard also may represent the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at other ceremonial events. 

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