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.

Six swans floating on a still lake

Species news & important dates

Orcas in San Juan Islands
WDFW seeks comment on status review for killer whale

WDFW is seeking public input until Feb. 19, 2024 on a draft Periodic Status Review for killer whale that includes a recommendation to keep the species on Washington’s endangered species list due to the status of the Southern Resident killer whale population.

Stillman Creek with brushy riverbank in the foreground
Stillman Creek Restoration Project

The Stillman Creek Restoration Project is one of four river restoration projects WDFW sponsored as part of the Aquatic Species Restoration Plan. Stillman Creek is a tributary to the South Fork Chehalis River.

Conservation starts here

A herd of Roosevelt Elk standing in a clearing
Roosevelt elk: icons of the Pacific Northwest’s coastal rainforests

Roosevelt elk are the largest elk subspecies in North America; males, called bulls, can weigh 700 to 1,200 pounds.

Tufted puffin
WDFW seeking information on Washington wildlife during status review process

WDFW is seeking information from the public about 17 state-listed wildlife species to inform future Periodic Status Reviews.

A trailer with AIS messaging
Student designs needed for invasive species art contest

WDFW and the Washington Invasive Species Council are looking for art to hang in our invasive species outreach trailer.

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