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...

Wildlife Management

Service Promotes Public Access to Hunting and Fishing

Continuing the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to increase recreational access on public lands, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today 53 new distinct hunting and sport fishing opportunities on approximately 211,000 acres nationwide in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Aug 1, 2024

Losing Ground

A recent series of studies by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey underscore the threat to coastal communities from North Carolina to Florida. They measure changes in sea level, land elevation, sediments, and vegetation. Combined, they paint an alarming picture.

Jul 30, 2024

4 people sanding downstream of undersized road culverts in a stream holding a big metal fish

Habitat Restoration

Restoring the ‘lifeblood’ of Prince of Wales Island, Alaska

Partners working together in Southeast Alaska to steward salmon and their habitat in one of the most heavily logged watersheds on Prince of Wales Island.

Aug 7, 2024

Recreation

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Voluntary Pilot Programs for Lead-Free Hunting

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced it is implementing a pilot program at seven National Wildlife Refuges during the Fall 2024 hunting season to test voluntary, incentive-based efforts to increase the use of lead-free ammunition by hunters on Service-administered lands. The best...

Jul 24, 2024

Wildlife Wonders

Endangered Species Athletics

The premier summer sporting event of 2024 is here – the Endangered Species Athletics competition! From July 20-July 27, 2024, 16 listed species from across the United States went feather-to-fin and leaf-to-paw in four virtual events: swimming, climbing, track and strength.

Jul 18, 2024

Five archers line up to shoot targets at the Arizona Cup.

Get Involved

Path to the Olympic Games Goes Through Service Supported Archery Range

To select the U.S. archers for the 2024 Olympic Games, athletes are chosen based on their performance at specific Olympic Trial Qualification events. These trials, known as stages, take place around the country with six Olympic stages and three Paralympic stages. Stages for both Olympic and...

Jul 26, 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

Morning view of Mortenson Lake National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Laramie Plains refuges in south central Wyoming.

National Wildlife Refuges

Protecting Wildlife

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.