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...

Endangered Species Act

Songs for Species

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, we are proud to bring you the Songs for Species playlist -- a mix of original songs written, performed, recorded, and donated by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service employees.

Jan 2, 2024

Turtles and timber in Michigan

When a forester fells a tree and yells, “Timber!” would you believe they’re also thinking, “Wood turtle!”? In the working forests of Michigan, they are! Take a moment to learn how species conservation and the timber sector are working together in Michigan.

Jan 3, 2024

Habitat Restoration

$10.8 Million To Protect and Restore Coastal Wetlands and Build Coastal Resiliency

As part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s efforts to conserve and restore coastal wetlands, the Service is awarding $10.8 million to support 12 projects in seven coastal states to protect, restore or enhance over 2,000 acres of coastal wetlands and adjacent upland habitats under the National...

Jan 30, 2024

Tall green salt marsh grasses cover a level area, with a narrow channel filled with water in the foreground and a gray, cloudy sky above

Keystone initiative centers on salt marsh conservation

Coastal salt marshes are on the frontlines of climate change, facing sea-level rise and storm surge head on. This precious ecosystem, which serves as a buffer during weather events and provides important habitat for many species, is impeded by past and present human development that has weakened it...

Jan 22, 2024

Climate Change

Nature To The Rescue

A healthy infusion of climate-fighting cash -- $27.5 million -- from the Inflation Reduction Act will likely help Alligator River and a handful of other nearby refuges and state lands keep the ravages of climate change at bay. “Nature-based solutions” will, hopefully, protect the N.C. coast from a...

Jan 11, 2024

A large pool of water in a green, hilly landscape

Town Transformations Through Fish Passage Projects

Discover how National Fish Passage Program projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are not only reopening habitats for aquatic species but also creating jobs, reducing flood risks, and fostering community development.

Jan 11, 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.