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...

Land Management

Service Seeks Public Input to Improve Access to Federal Lands

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public to identify Service-managed lands where people would most like to see new or improved public recreation access. This effort continues the Service’s goal to expand public access to federal lands and ensure that everyone has access to the...

Dec 16, 2024

Climate Change

Four million murres missing

When Alaska's common murre colonies fell silent in 2015, scientists knew something was wrong. New research from Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge reveals the devastating impact of a severe marine heatwave: approximately 4 million common murres—half of Alaska's population—starved to death,...

Dec 12, 2024

Endangered Species Act

Monarch Butterfly Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protection

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing protection for one of the nation’s most beloved species, the monarch butterfly, and is encouraging the public to be part of its recovery. The Service is seeking public input on a proposal to list the species as threatened with species-specific...

Dec 10, 2024

Secretary Haaland Establishes Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams Friday joined partners and community members to celebrate the establishment of Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge as the 573rd and newest unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Dec 16, 2024

A Mount Graham red squirrel with red ear tags perches in a tree.

Endangered Species Act

Endangered Mount Graham red squirrel population increases substantially

The endangered Mount Graham red squirrel, a subspecies of squirrel found only in the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona, has been surveyed at higher population numbers than anticipated.

Dec 10, 2024

colorful kayas line the bank of a river with trees on the opposite bank

Habitat Restoration

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Mark Major Milestones for the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation today joined elected officials, funding partners and grantees to mark 7 years of vital conservation projects made possible through the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund.

Dec 9, 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

aerial view of wetlands, boreal forest, and a river

National Wildlife Refuges

a small bird with a cricket in its mouth being held by a biologist

Protecting Wildlife

Climate Change

National Fish Hatchery Systems

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…

Partners for Fish and Wildlife: Landowners (Heguy Family) Meet with Partners for Fish and Wildlife Biologist Chris Jasmine and Carol Evans of the Bureau of Land Management to Review Progress

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.