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...

three people stand near a pole in the dirt as a small excavator pounds it into the ground

Our People

Guardians of the Great American Outdoors

Just minutes from the center of the most populous city in Virginia, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge feels like another world: the refuge on the outskirts of Virginia Beach teems with life across a range of coastal habitats for migratory and wintering waterfowl. The beachfront views and wildlife...

Apr 14, 2025

Habitat Restoration

Giving lake sturgeon a strong start

With the arrival of spring, we're working with our partners to prepare for our annual lake sturgeon egg takes, one facet of a 40-year-old restoration program that relies on reintroducing fish as its cornerstone. Our efforts in the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River basins are at the heart of a...

Apr 14, 2025

small fish and a rush of water exit a pipe being supported by someone

Wildlife Management

Lake trout restoration in Lake Champlain a success

Thanks to a successful, decades-long effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, lake trout have been restored to Lake Champlain. As a result, the wild population no longer needs to be augmented by...

Apr 11, 2025

Ducks flying over a wetland on the Texas Gulf Coast prairie

Habitat Restoration

Restoring Wetlands for Waterfowl on Texas’ Gulf Coast Prairie

Duck hunting holds a special place in the hearts of many Texans, symbolizing a connection to the land, tradition, and camaraderie. At the Lavaca Rio Ranch in Jackson County, this heritage of duck hunting isn't just a pastime; it is a way to preserve the natural landscape.

Apr 3, 2025

a tan sea turtle lays on the sand under some grass

Endangered Species Act

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Kicks Off on the Texas Coast

With sea turtle nesting season beginning on the Texas coast in late March, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is urging everyone using Texas beaches to do their part to help detect and protect threatened and endangered sea turtles on the beach.

Apr 1, 2025

Habitat Restoration

Restoring Michigan’s Flint River

Kids swimming on a hot day, kayaks paddling downstream and dog-walkers strolling along the river trail – an active community is a healthy community. We believe that nothing gets active communities in the flow of recreation like a river. Take the community around the University of Michigan-Flint...

Mar 27, 2025

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

Climate Change

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.