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.

Bighorn sheep lambs

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Species in Washington
Looking to learn more about a specific fish or wildlife species in Washington? Start here.
Living with wildlife
Living in Washington means living with wildlife. Whether you've found a baby bird out of the nest or are dealing with deer damaging your backyard, WDFW is here to help when you cross paths with the state's diverse wildlife.
At-risk species
WDFW is responsible for managing endangered, threatened, and otherwise at-risk species in the state.
Habitat recovery and protection
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is hard at work helping protect and conserve fish and wildlife habitats in the state.
Aquatic invasive species
If you work or play in Washington’s many waterways, you may be unknowingly spreading invasive species destructive to our state’s environment and economy.
Wildlife diseases
From elk hoof disease to white-nose syndrome in bats, WDFW tracks and responds to reports of disease affecting wildlife in our state.
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Species news & important dates

Aerial photo of estuary restoration project 3 years after construction.
Working together to help salmon and people in the Skagit

For the last 10 years, the Skagit County Consolidated Dike, Drainage, and Irrigation Improvement District has worked with us to make the Fir Island Farm Estuary Restoration Project a success in providing neighboring farms, homes, and roads with reliable drainage and protection from tides.

Learn more
Restored prairie at Scatter Creek Wildlife Area
Restoring prairie habitat at the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area

Once common in the South Puget Sound region, habitats such as prairies and oak woodlands are now almost gone, with just 3% of original prairies remaining.

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More news

Conservation starts here

Gray whale strandings
Excavator works on restoration project
Restoring fish passage
When fish cannot spawn upstream or reach traditional rearing areas, populations decrease and may not survive locally.
Learn more about the program
Male greater sage grouse displaying on a lek
Shrubsteppe spotlight
Greater sage grouse have unique courtship rituals each spring where males show off their dance moves.
Watch the video