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

White to pink flower petals erupt near the top center of a globe-shaped plant filled with white and brown needle-like leaves.
Endangered Species Act
Five-Year Status Review Recommends Delisting of Lloyd鈥檚 Mariposa Cactus
Lloyd鈥檚 mariposa cactus shows signs of full recovery after a rigorous five-year status review, part of the process mandated by the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service鈥檚 review recommends to the Secretary of the Interior removal of the cactus from federal protections under the...
Two adult bald eagles -- with black bodies, white heads and,yellow beaks -- perching side by side on a branch next to a nest
Wildlife Wonders
A Very American Bird
The America 250 celebration invites us to reflect on our nation鈥檚 journey: where we鈥檝e been, what we鈥檝e protected, and who we鈥檝e become. And no story captures that narrative better than the bald eagle.
Calm river with trees along both shorelines and a partly cloudy blue skie.
Midwest mussel experts leading an emergent field
The next time you relish the clear, clean water of a rippling stream, you can thank a mussel. We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognize the special role our freshwater-filtering friends have in keeping the environment healthy for all variety of species 鈥� including us humans. That鈥檚 why it鈥�...
two bats hang upside down from the ceiling of a cave
Science and Technology
Harnessing technology to uncover the secrets of an endangered pollinator
Deep within the remote wilderness of Big Bend National Park in West Texas lies Emory Cave, a hidden maternity roost for the endangered Mexican long-nose bat (Leptonycteris nivalis). Each summer, the females travel to the cave during their annual migration from Mexico, seeking refuge to raise their...
Three people wearing eye and ear protection stand with firearms at a skeet target range.
Get Involved
Aiming High: Target Shooting Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation Efforts
According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation over 47 million U.S. residents participate in firearm target shooting and 19 million participate in archery target shooting. Recruitment, retention, and reactivation, collectively known as R3, is a Nationwide...
Bright yellow flowers with long green stems growing outside
Endangered Species Act
Looking for Virginia sneezeweed? Check Missouri
Thanks to partner-led research, surveys, and conservation efforts, the Virginia sneezeweed no longer needs federal protection.

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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.

View Our Budget

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.

Learn About Contracting

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.  

Browse Current Job Opportunities