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

Five whooping cranes, three white adults and two tawney-colored juveniles, walk along the edge where salt flats meet shallow water. They are surrounded by other smaller out of focus shorebirds.

Wildlife Wonders

Whooping Cranes Winter in Oklahoma

Every spring and fall at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge seasoned birders know to keep a keen eye for the elusive whooping crane. A large proportion of these rare, endangered birds make pit-stops at the refuge as they migrate from their breeding grounds at Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada...

Apr 2, 2026

Wildlife Wonders

Our nation's nature

To celebrate America's 250th birthday, we're highlighting the incredible wildlife that calls this beautiful country home. This week, learn about the yellow-rumped warbler, snowy egret, lake sturgeon, northern flicker, American burying beetle, gila monster and eastern cottontail.

Mar 30, 2026

People sitting on wooden benches holding firearms and shooting at a range

Recreation

From Idea to Impact

Anyone can have an idea but taking that idea from concept to reality is often where people find themselves at an impasse. That wasn’t the case for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). Through grit and determination, they made the dream of the Veteran’s Memorial Wildlife...

Mar 26, 2026

Wildlife Management

Service Awards More Than $6.6 Million in Tribal Wildlife Grants to Advance Shared Conservation Goals

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is awarding more than $6.6 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...

Mar 27, 2026

Yellow and purple flowers blooming near a farm.

Working Lands

National Agriculture Day

Each year, we celebrate the vital role agriculture plays in our daily lives and express our deep appreciation for the people whose work sustains the nation. We want to recognize the agricultural community as key partners in advancing our conservation mission, supporting rural livelihoods and...

Mar 24, 2026

FWS staff poses with America 250 flag in front of wetland

History and Culture

Flags Connect With Nature Amid High-Tech World

As part of the Flags Across America initiative for America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sharing stories from the places where our commemorative flags have traveled. From historic hatcheries to vibrant refuges, each stop celebrates conservation as an enduring American...

Mar 23, 2026

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...

A digger bee approaches golden currant flowers

Pollinators

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

Celebrating America's 250 Anniversary

A woman with a huge smile on her face holds a massive salmon in both arms.

National Fish Hatchery System

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.