Species & Habitats

Wildlife in Washington face a wide range of threats, from disease and invasive species to declining habitat and climate change. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to conserving and protecting the state's wildlife -- including endangered and other at-risk species -- from these threats. Learn about the work we're doing to protect Washington habitats and what to do if you encounter an orphaned or problematic animal.

Two Canada geese sitting on a snowy bank next to a body of water.

Species news & important dates

A moose near a tree wearing a collar
WDFW starting moose monitoring project in northeast Washington

A project to monitor moose will allow biologists to assess moose survival rates, gather information on how they use the landscape, estimate pregnancy rates, and evaluate them for disease and parasites like ticks.

An adult peregrine falcon flying low over the water at Samish Flats, Skagit Wildlife Area
WDFW assessing status of rebounding raptor populations

The public comment periods for the bald eagle and peregrine falcon draft status reviews are open through May 27, 2024.

Conservation starts here

Blooming flowers in shrubsteppe habitat
Restoring Washington's shrubsteppe

Spanning over 10 million acres, the shrubsteppe landscape is vital for a variety of wildlife and plant species, and WDFW is working to protect it.

Mussel cage sits in shallow water near a beach
Mussel Watch monitors toxics in Puget Sound

Volunteer effort supports toxics monitoring across Puget Sound

Indian paintbrush blooming in a meadow
WDFW Director’s Bulletin | Jan/Feb 2024

News and updates from WDFW Director Kelly Susewind.

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