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...

brown, white and black bird stands in shallow water

Habitat Restoration

Beach Restoration Delivers New Nesting Habitat for Snowy Plovers

The snowy plovers of Doran Beach noticed something different about 2020. Where had all the humans gone? Where were the dogs, often off-leash and coming too close? Where was the noise, the vehicles? For the first time in the Doran Regional Park’s 50-year history, the beach was empty. One pair of...

Dec 1, 2023

Caribou stand amidst snow in Selawik Refuge. In the background, mountains and a faint treeline are visible.

Migratory Species

Local Knowledge Carries Caribou Forward

As weather changes dramatically in the tundra, partnerships and local knowledge are crucial for preserving the Western Arctic Caribou Herd and the subsistence lifeways which depend on them.

Nov 29, 2023

a brown, wooden building on a grassy hill

History and Culture

Cat Point Creek Lodge transferred to the Rappahannock Tribe

A steady drum beat rose under the watchful eyes of native bald eagles, friends and ancestors. For the first time in more than 350 years, the Rappahannock Tribe’s drums sounded over their ancestral capital town.

Nov 28, 2023

2 people strapped into pvc/harness cage; both wear helmets

The Dunker: Critical Aviation Lifesaving Training

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service flies in small planes over land and often over water for work. Recently, Director Martha Williams took the Water Ditching and Survival (aka “dunker”) training at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility in Alexandria, Virginia, with Noah Matson,...

Nov 21, 2023

Tribal Wildlife Grants Program Support Species of Cultural and Traditional Importance

Since its inception in 2003, the competitive Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG) Program has awarded more than $111.6 million to federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native Tribes, providing support for more than 626 conservation projects. These grants benefit a wide range of fish, wildlife,...

Nov 21, 2023

Photo of new culvert near sports fields in Springville, Alabama

Our Partners

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at work in Alabama

Each year, approximately 2,000 kids and their families use the athletic fields at the Springville sports complex, except when they can’t because storms wash out the fields. Flooded conditions delay or cancel games, disappoint little league athletes and cause a lot of work and expense for the city’...

Nov 17, 2023

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

Two small, brown butterflies on a flower with pink long petals and a deep redish-brown seed head.

National Wildlife Refuges

The Endangered Species Act at 50

Climate Change

Invasive Species Management

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…

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.