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...

people pose at flagpole, under 2 US flags, USFWS one
History and Culture
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge: A Sanctuary Shaped by History and American Heritage
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge rests just 26 miles west of New York City’s Times Square, yet it feels worlds away. Spread across 12 square miles of protected wetlands and forests, the refuge is a natural sanctuary tucked inside a mostly suburban region of northern New Jersey. But, despite...
A red eft (terrestrial phase of the eastern red-spotted newt)
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 easter tiger swallowtail, eastern newt, red-winged blackbird, hummingbird clearwing moth, northern water snake, rose-breasted grosbeak and common...
Two black bears, a mother and a small cub walking along a sandy road on the edge of a forest
Recreation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Reminds Visitors to be Bear Aware
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reminding visitors to take extra precautions in bear country following recent bear incidents in several national parks. 
a women stands fishing on a boulder in a slow stream
Endangered Species Act
Trout Continue to Flourish in the American Southwest
The Gila and Apache trout success stories are some of the best examples of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s collective conservation mission. Working together through challenges and rewards, a determined group of partners (along with pack mules, horses and helicopters) have made sure that the...
Two men in manual wheelchairs sit side by side fishing from a paved path, looking out over a calm pond bordered by trees and greenery, with a wooden railing in front of them.
Recreation
Nature for Everyone: Creating Accessible Outdoor Spaces in Oregon
Nature is for everyone. At the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we’re committed to ensuring that people of all abilities can experience the beauty of Oregon’s outdoors. From improving trails to hosting inclusive, adaptive events, we’re working to remove barriers and create opportunities for the...
a small brown monkey with a white face and white tufts near their ears
Wildlife Crime
Dismantling illegal monkey trafficking in Florida
Thanks to an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and partners, a wildlife trafficker has been sentenced to federal prison, fined and banned from wildlife-related activity. He offered an agent multiple exotic species, including macaques, red-handed tamarins, spider monkeys, capuchins...

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.