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.

American badger

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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

Western pond turtle in biologist's hands
Working with Partners for Western Pond Turtle Recovery

The western pond turtle, once common from Baja California to the Puget Sound, is listed as an endangered species in Washington and a sensitive species in Oregon.   WDFW is working with wide-ranging partners to bring this species back to Washington!

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mountain goats being helicoptered in
Agencies to begin fourth and final round of translocating mountain goats from the Olympics to the Cascades

Starting July 27, a coalition of state and federal agencies, with support from local tribes, will begin the fourth and final two-week round of translocating mountain goats from Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest to the northern Cascade Mountains to meet wildlife management goals in

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Conservation starts here

Hiking in cougar country
Woodpecker perched on dead tree (snag)
Snags: The Wildlife Tree
Dozens of species depend on tree cavities for survival.
Learn how dead wood brings new life
Sagebrush lizard missing part of its tail
Shrubsteppe species spotlight
August is the time of year when sagebrush lizard hatchlings appear. Look for these reptiles on the ground at the edge of shrubs and other vegetation that provide cover from predators and relief from mid-day heat.
Learn more