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, our 8,400+ 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...

Habitat Restoration

Service Awards Nearly $19 Million To Help Coastal Community

Coastal wetlands are vitally important in protecting us from floods, filtering our water, supporting recreation and local economies, and providing habitat for fish and wildlife. Despite their importance, there has been a steady loss of coastal wetlands. Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is...

Feb 1, 2023

Habitat Restoration

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: 2022 Annual Report

At its core, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a significant investment in the nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. For the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the funding will build on proven projects, programs and partnerships that protect our cherished wildlife and natural...

Jan 26, 2023

A green hummingbird with white chest and red throat perches at red feeder

Nature out your window

You don’t need to go far, or even outside, to discover nature and its mental health benefits. The nearest window can reveal plants and animals going about their business undisturbed and free for the viewing.

Jan 19, 2023

a grey and brown bird resting on a small branch

Endangered Species Act

Five species on San Clemente Island declared fully recovered

Decades of collaborative conservation efforts on U.S. Navy-owned San Clemente Island resulted in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s announcement today that five species – San Clemente Island paintbrush, lotus, larkspur and bush-mallow plants and San Clemente Bell’s sparrow have fully recovered...

Jan 24, 2023

Get Involved

Where Art and Science Meet

Growing up I always doodled. I scribbled on everything and everything I could get my hands on (even things I shouldn’t, like my bedroom walls). It was how I was able to express myself and share the world through my eyes.

Jan 18, 2023

Female fenders blue butterfly on a small pink flower. Wings are spread out and you can see the brownish blue color on top with an outline of white on the wings.

Endangered Species Act

Partnership-Driven Conservation Gives Oregon Butterfly Wings

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Fender’s blue butterfly, once thought to be extinct, is fluttering toward recovery under the Endangered Species Act. Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassified Fender’s blue butterfly from endangered to threatened and finalized a special rule that makes it easier...

Jan 11, 2023

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

Endangered Species

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.