Species & Habitats
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.
In this section
Looking to learn more about a specific fish or wildlife species in Washington? Start here.
Learn about the variety of ecosystems found in Washington that provide habitat for fish and 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.
WDFW is responsible for managing endangered, threatened, and otherwise at-risk species in the state.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is hard at work helping protect and conserve fish and wildlife habitats in the state.
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.
From elk hoof disease to white-nose syndrome in bats, WDFW tracks and responds to reports of disease affecting wildlife in our state.
The Toxics Biological Observation System (TBiOS) team monitors and tracks toxic contaminants in Puget Sound and on Washington's Pacific coast.
Species news & important dates
Celebrate Bat Week, Oct. 24-31
Although we may not always see them, bats are hard at work all around the world each night - eating tons of insects, pollinating flowers, and spreading seeds that grow new plants and trees.
Quilomene bighorn sheep test positive for lethal bacteria
WDFW confirmed the presence of a pneumonia-causing bacteria in the Quilomene bighorn sheep herd last month.
Conservation starts here
Monitoring bat health
See how biologists test bats for white nose syndrome, a fungal disease that is often fatal to hibernating bats. This disease is not harmful to people or other wildlife.
Grant application period for fish barrier removal projects starts Nov. 1
The Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board will accept grant proposals to remove barriers that prevent salmon and steelhead from swimming upstream.
Tracking Wolves: An outdoor activity for middle schoolers
Check out our new activity where kids learn how to identify and record animal tracks and sign.
