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...

A woodpecker perched on a tree with a bug in its mouth.
Endangered Species Act
Downlisting of Red-cockaded Woodpecker from Endangered to Threatened
The Department of the Interior today announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is downlisting the red-cockaded woodpecker from endangered to threatened status under the Endangered Species Act. This milestone is the result of five decades of collaborative conservation efforts between the...
a close up of a riparian woodrat's face, with its body held in a pillowcase
Wildlife Wonders
Riparian Woodrats Found After 8 Year Absence
After having no sightings since 2017, several riparian woodrats were found in cage traps set by Service and partner biologists doing a health survey of riparian brush rabbits.
Northern long-eared bat roosting
Endangered Species Act
Conservation and Cooperation
The recent reclassification of the northern long-eared bat under the Endangered Species Act and the proposed listing of the tricolored bat presented U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff with a novel and immense task: Identify conservation actions that benefit bats and people at a massive scale –...
Golden eagle in flight.
Wildlife Management
Service Awards More Than $6.4 Million in Tribal Wildlife Grants to Advance Shared Conservation Goals and Natural Heritage, Cultural Priorities
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is awarding more than $6.4 million to federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native Tribes to benefit fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. This year’s funding will support 35 Tribes for conservation projects across 15 states, benefiting a wide...
Graphic with a biodiverse wetland of plants and various bird species
Migratory Species
Shared Skies: Monarchs & Migratory Birds
What do monarchs and migratory birds have in common? They embark on epic migrations each fall — and face similar threats along the way. Discover how conservation efforts can benefit both groups and learn what you can do to help.
kids with binoculars looking toward trees
Get Involved
Get Outdoors and Celebrate Nature During National Wildlife Refuge Week
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invites you to celebrate nature during National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 13-19, 2024. Enhance your well-being and enjoy the outdoors while experiencing the nation’s premier wildlife conservation network, the National Wildlife Refuge System. Founded in 1903,...

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.