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 and Wildlife Service have a lot going on. Here are a few of the latest news stories from across the Service...

person waterfowl hunting by a wetland at sunrise
Wildlife Management
Voluntary Lead-free Ammunition Incentive Program for 2025-2026 Hunting Season
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is extending the Voluntary Lead-Free Hunting Ammunition Incentive Program for the 2025-2026 hunting season in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The decision follows a successful pilot program and survey results indicating that hunters are more likely to use...
timber rattlesnake curled up in dead leaves
History and Culture
Don’t Tread on Me
Before the bald eagle soared onto official seals, another creature had already coiled its way around the American imagination. It didn’t fly. It rattled.
Deer with antlers pauses in tall, dry grass and looks towards camera.
Endangered Species Act
Columbian White-tailed Deer: A Conservation Comeback in the Pacific Northwest
Once on the brink of extinction, the Columbian white-tailed deer is one step closer to a remarkable recovery in the Pacific Northwest. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed a 5-year status review for the Columbia River population of this unique subspecies and found that it has met the...
The Rappahannock river from a uphill vantage point. Thick vegetation grows between the camera and the water.
Land Management
Restoring tribal stewardship
In partnership with the Service, The Conservation Fund, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, members of the Rappahannock Tribe are expanding opportunities to connect with their ancestors.
Mr. Snake, a Louisiana pinesnake that helps the U.S. Forest Service with education and outreach, smells with his tounge July 11, 2022.
Saving the Louisiana Pinesnake
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has long been recognized for its innovative conservation work, much of which is rooted in strong partnerships. These collaborations are so embedded in the fabric of the agency that they are part of the Service’s mission, “... working with others to conserve,...
a sillhouette of a person kayak fishing while floating on a large body of water. The sun sets behind them and the sky is colored blue and yellow
Get Involved
Interior Expands Hunting and Fishing Access at Refuges and Hatcheries
WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior today announced 42 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This final update more than triples...

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...

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.