We are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the American people.

We offer a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and our shared natural heritage. And through our work to conserve natural resources, we provide communities with healthier environments, clean water, flood control and a strong economy.

Achieving Our Mission

Learn about our priorities, statutory authority and functions. 

History of Fish and Wildlife

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior and the nation’s oldest conservation agency. Our origins date back to 1871 when Congress established the U.S. Fish Commission to study why the nation’s food fishes were decreasing and recommend ways to reverse that decline.

Though the name of our agency has changed multiple times over the years, what endures is the collective dedication of Service employees to face the conservation challenges of their dayand now, our daywith ingenuity, integrity and hard work. Fortunately, our history shows that we’ve always been up to the challenge.

Our Locations

Latest Stories

Two large white crane stand in a field of green grass and yellow flowers..
Endangered Species Act
2025 Wintering Whooping Crane Count
The latest survey results from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicated a record estimate of 557 whooping cranes wintering on and around Aransas National Wildlife Refuge for the 2024-2025 season. The survey noted that the population included at least 41 tawny-colored juvenile cranes, new...
New England Cottontail in clearing
Helping a rare rabbit multiply
Researchers had limited success breeding rare New England cottontails for release into the wild ... until they let females choose their mates. Funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supported this and other discoveries by our state partners and the University of Rhode Island.
2025-2026 Federal Duck Stamp featuring a pair of spectacled eiders on the ground in grassy area.
Migratory Species
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Debuts New Federal and Junior Duck Stamps
Hunters, bird watchers, stamp collectors, and artists celebrated as the 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp – commonly known as the Duck Stamp – went on sale. The new Federal Duck Stamp and its younger sibling, the Junior Duck Stamp, debuted today at a special event...
A golden orange fish swims along the bottom of the sandy ocean
Our Partners
Spring of Resources: New Research Vessel in American Samoa
Puna’oaolevasa, which means “spring of resources” in Samoan, is a new research vessel purchased by American Samoa’s Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources with grant funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Conservation Investment. The boat will help the department conduct...
Biologist in waders holds a large adult sturgeon.
Wildlife Management
Restoring Lake Sturgeon with Partnerships and Patience
Six feet in length and tipping the scales at over 200 pounds, adult lake sturgeon once swam the tributaries of the Great Lakes in great seasonal spawning migrations—prehistoric giants returning home. A century ago, rivers ran thick with them. But their numbers fell as water fouled, dams rose, and...
Two men dressed in camouflage sitting in grass. One man is holding a duck call to has mouth.
Hunting and pollinators: Unexpected connection
When you think about what supports strong game populations - deer, waterfowl, turkey, quail and other prized wildlife - you might picture food plots, water sources or predator management. For decades, we at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have worked with the hunting community to conserve game...

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See Where Your Tax Dollars Go 

Each year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develops an annual budget justification which defines our goals, objectives, and the funding necessary to accomplish them. Once approved, funds are allocated to programs and regions, and monitored to ensure those funds are used as mandated by Congress.

View Our Budget

Do Business With Us

The mission of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. In support of the mission, the FWS procures goods and services that include: land rehabilitation; information technology resources; construction projects; professional and nonprofessional services; supplies; and environmental studies. We look forward to working with qualified, capable contractors, including small businesses.

Learn About Contracting

Work With Us

The range of career options available in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is as wide as it is rewarding. A career with us might be just what you’re looking for if you’re passionate about supporting our mission and science, water quality, nature, air quality, fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, native plants, or education. You can make a difference by bringing your unique experience, background, and perspective to our work.  

Browse Current Job Opportunities