Endangered Species Act
After decades of partnership-driven recovery efforts in North and South Carolina, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is removing the dwarf-flowered heartleaf from the federal list of endangered and threatened plants.
We are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the American people.
We offer a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and our shared natural heritage. And through our work to conserve natural resources, we provide communities with healthier environments, clean water, flood control and a strong economy.
Achieving Our Mission
Learn about our priorities, statutory authority and functions.
History of Fish and Wildlife
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior and the nation鈥檚 oldest conservation agency. Our origins date back to 1871 when Congress established the U.S. Fish Commission to study why the nation鈥檚 food fishes were decreasing and recommend ways to reverse that decline.
Though the name of our agency has changed multiple times over the years, what endures is the collective dedication of Service employees to face the conservation challenges of their day鈥�and now, our day鈥�with ingenuity, integrity and hard work. Fortunately, our history shows that we鈥檝e always been up to the challenge.
Our Locations
Latest Stories
Researchers had limited success breeding rare New England cottontails for release into the wild ... until they let females choose their mates. Funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supported this and other discoveries by our state partners and the University of Rhode Island.
Endangered Species Act
The latest survey results from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicated a record estimate of 557 whooping cranes wintering on and around Aransas National Wildlife Refuge for the 2024-2025 season. The survey noted that the population included at least 41 tawny-colored juvenile cranes, new...
Migratory Species
Hunters, bird watchers, stamp collectors, and artists celebrated as the 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp 鈥� commonly known as the Duck Stamp 鈥� went on sale. The new Federal Duck Stamp and its younger sibling, the Junior Duck Stamp, debuted today at a special event...
Our Partners
Puna鈥檕aolevasa, which means 鈥渟pring of resources鈥� in Samoan, is a new research vessel purchased by American Samoa鈥檚 Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources with grant funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service鈥檚 Office of Conservation Investment. The boat will help the department conduct...
Wildlife Management
Six feet in length and tipping the scales at over 200 pounds, adult lake sturgeon once swam the tributaries of the Great Lakes in great seasonal spawning migrations鈥攑rehistoric giants returning home. A century ago, rivers ran thick with them. But their numbers fell as water fouled, dams rose, and...
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See Where Your Tax Dollars Go
Each year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develops an annual budget justification which defines our goals, objectives, and the funding necessary to accomplish them. Once approved, funds are allocated to programs and regions, and monitored to ensure those funds are used as mandated by Congress.
Do Business With Us
The mission of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. In support of the mission, the FWS procures goods and services that include: land rehabilitation; information technology resources; construction projects; professional and nonprofessional services; supplies; and environmental studies. We look forward to working with qualified, capable contractors, including small businesses.
Work With Us
The range of career options available in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is as wide as it is rewarding. A career with us might be just what you鈥檙e looking for if you鈥檙e passionate about supporting our mission and science, water quality, nature, air quality, fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, native plants, or education. You can make a difference by bringing your unique experience, background, and perspective to our work.