About Us

A group of folks from the USFWS Mountain Prairie

Our Organization

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.

Our Staff

A firefighter in protective gear hangs back from a fire and watches the smoke plume

Our Programs

Mallards on Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge

Our Regions

Exterior of the refuge headquarters building at Little Pend Oreille NWR

Mission and Values

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Our purpose is to protect the natural world so current and future generations can live with, live from, and find awe in lands, waters, and wildlife. We envision a future where people and nature thrive in an interconnected way and where every community feels part of and committed to the natural world around us.

Our History

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.

Our Locations

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the auto tour road, watching wildlife, hiking, camping and picnicking.

A group of northern sea otters float together in Alaska

Our Laws, Agreements, and Treaties

As part of our mission, we are charged with enforcing Federal Wildlife Laws and Protecting Endangered Species. Learn more about the U.S. Conservation Laws, Acts, Treaties, Conventions and Agreements

Close-up image of a small, brown and white speckled rattlesnake with distinctive scales above the eyes

250 Years of Conservation

July 4, 2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For those 250 years, Americans have depended on wild lands, clean water, and abundant wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helps make those things possible.

Explore conservation stories View all stories

You may also want to...

waterfowl hunting at the Missisquoi NWR; a successful youth hunter

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.

A Park Ranger sits infront of an projected image of a condor sunning on a rock perch, wings streched wide. In front sitting on the floor are about 10 3rd grade students listening.

Do Business With Us

In support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mission, we procure 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.

Hard working crew with tools in hand at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge

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.

Our Statutory Authority

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working with others, is responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people through Federal programs relating to migratory birds, endangered species, interjurisdictional fish and marine mammals, and inland sport fisheries.

• Acquires, protects and manages unique ecosystems necessary to sustain fish and wildlife such as migratory birds, resident species and endangered species.

• Operates a National Fish Hatchery System in support of the restoration of depleted interjurisdictional fish stocks, the recovery of federally listed threatened and endangered species, and the fulfillment of Federal mitigation responsibilities.

• Provides protection of fish and wildlife from dislocation or destruction of their habitats, overuse, and industrial, agricultural and domestic pollutants.

• Renders financial and professional technical assistance to States through Federal Aid programs for the enhancement and restoration of fish and wildlife resources.

• Conducts programs of enforcement, management and professional technical assistance to other agencies for the protection of endangered species.

• Promulgates and enforces regulations for the protection of migratory birds, marine mammals, fish and other nonendangered wildlife from illegal taking, transportation or sale within the United States or from foreign countries.

• Conducts programs of planning, evaluation, and professional technical assistance to other agencies for the proper use and protection of fish and wildlife habitat that directly benefit the living natural resource and add quality to human life.

• Conducts programs of interpretation, education and recreation to foster a stewardship ethic in the American public through high quality fish and wildlife oriented experiences.

• Communicates information essential for public awareness and understanding of the importance of fish and wildlife resources, and interprets fish and wildlife changes reflecting environmental degradation that ultimately will affect the welfare of human beings.