U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

What's going on at FWS

With more than 560 National Wildlife Refuges, 70 national fish hatcheries, numerous regional and field offices across the country and thousands of active conservation projects, the nearly 8,000 employees of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have a lot going on. Here are a few of the latest news stories from across the Service...

Wildlife Crime

Keeping native fish on the menu in Michigan

If you’ve visited Wisconsin, Michigan or the other states that touch Lake Michigan, you’ve likely enjoyed a meal of lake trout, walleye or whitefish. Did you know that a team of biologists likely helped make that meal possible? Learn more about how we shut down the illegal harvest and sale of these...

Mar 6, 2024

A wolf technician with the Mexican wolf recovery program carries a wolf in from a helicopter.

Endangered Species Act

Mexican Wolf Population Grows for Eighth Consecutive Year

The wild population of Mexican wolves saw another year of growth in 2023, according to the results of the annual survey. The 2023 population census revealed a minimum of 257 Mexican wolves distributed across Arizona and New Mexico. This increase marks the eighth consecutive year of population...

Mar 5, 2024

New projects begin in midwest to safeguard seeds and clean-up contaminants

It has been said that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When it comes to habitat restoration, not only does it take quality native seeds and know-how, it takes a vision. We know that making a future full of native grasses, functional wetlands and the wildlife that call the midwest...

Feb 29, 2024

Habitat Restoration

Saving the Salt Marsh

The South Atlantic's iconic salt marshes are disappearing. A slew of federal, state, and nonprofit partners are trying to reverse the climate-fueled trend.

Mar 4, 2024

Wildlife Management

Service Provides Over $1.3 Billion to Advance State Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Outdoor Recreational Access

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced over $1.3 billion in apportionments to support states, commonwealths and territories in their efforts to fund conservation and connect people with nature.

Mar 1, 2024

people in colored shirts work in a gravel lot building wooden structures

Our Partners

Bringing some green to Southwest Philly

Service, partners, and passionate community members brought green back to a community of color

Feb 29, 2024

Our Focus

The history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can be traced back to 1871. We are the only federal government agency whose primary responsibility is to manage fish and wildlife resources in the public trust for people today and future generations. Here are just a few of our focus areas...

Director's Priorities

Two small, brown butterflies on a flower with pink long petals and a deep redish-brown seed head.

National Wildlife Refuges

The Endangered Species Act at 50

Climate Change

Invasive Species Management

Law Enforcement

What We Do For You

If you’re looking for places to experience nature; interested in partnering with us; seeking technical advice, permits, grants, data or scientific research; want to know more about today’s conservation challenges; looking for ways on how you can get involved and make a difference -- the Service has a lot to offer and more…

Visit Us - Our Locations

With more than 560 national wildlife refuges, dozens of national fish hatcheries and more than 100 field offices, there are numerous great U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service locations to visit.