Before dawn breaks over a remote national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge , a law enforcement officer prepares for a long day that could include everything from a boating safety stop to an investigation that spans continents. At a busy port of entry, a wildlife inspector scans cargo for illegal wildlife products, part of a global trade that threatens species and funds organized crime. Different landscapes. Different jobs. Same mission.
On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we honor the men and women of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement and National Wildlife Refuge Law Enforcement program. They make up a nationwide force dedicated to protecting America’s wildlife, public lands, and communities.
Many Roles, One Purpose
USFWS law enforcement is not a single job. It’s a wide-ranging network of professionals working across the country and around the world. Special Agents investigate complex crimes such as wildlife trafficking and smuggling networks that move protected species and goods across borders. Wildlife Inspectors serve on the front lines at U.S. ports of entry, ensuring that international trade follows U.S. law and treaty obligations. Our Federal Wildlife Officers patrol millions of acres of public lands, protecting visitors and wildlife.
Behind the scenes, skilled support staff play a critical role in these efforts, providing forensic analysis, intelligence support, and investigative expertise that help cases come together and criminals get caught.
Together, these roles form a layered defense system of local, national, and international team members who enforce the law and safeguard our country’s natural resources.
Protecting the Homeland Through Conservation Law Enforcement
Illegal wildlife trafficking is often linked to transnational criminal organizations that also traffic drugs, weapons, and people. By enforcing wildlife laws, USFWS officers disrupt these networks and help to strengthen border security.
From intercepting illegal shipments at ports of entry to supporting joint operations with federal, state, Tribal, and international partners, USFWS law enforcement officers play a critical role in defending the United States from environmental crimes that have far-reaching consequences.
On the Refuge, On the Water, In the Field
For our Federal Wildlife Officers, no two days are the same. One shift may involve educating visitors about hunting and fishing regulations. Another may require responding to emergencies, investigating poaching, or assisting with search and rescue operations. These officers are often the only law enforcement presence across vast, remote landscapes.
They serve as guardians of some of the nation’s most iconic wild places, ensuring that national wildlife refuges remain protected for generations to come.
A Career Built on Service
USFWS law enforcement professionals come from diverse backgrounds. They are military veterans, biologists, former police officers, and people who simply felt called to serve. What unites them is a commitment to public service and the belief that enforcing conservation laws is essential to a safe, secure, and prosperous nation.
Thank You for Holding the Line
On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we recognize the dedication and professionalism of USFWS law enforcement personnel. They work quietly behind the scenes as well as stand visibly on the front lines. Their work protects wildlife and supports national security. They help to ensure that America’s natural heritage remains strong.
