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.

Skokomish estuary restoration
Photo by WDFW

Species news & important dates

A person kneeling on the ground take photos of a flock of birds flying overhead.
Photo by Lily Huth
State Wildlife Action Plan survey available

The public can now participate in a scoping survey that will be open until Nov. 15, 2024.

Lone Ranch Creek Project
Photo by WDFW
Comment on plans to remove fish passage barriers

WDFW is seeking public input on a draft strategy to prioritize the removal of small-scale barriers that prevent salmon and steelhead from swimming upstream.

Conservation starts here

A collage representing species and ecosystem biodiversity in Washington.
Restoring Biodiversity in Washington

As public stewards of Washington’s fish and wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) works with local, state, tribal, and federal partners to restore and protect biodiversity for current and future generations.

Eelgrass exposed on a shoreline at low tide
Photo by Ingrid Taylar
WDFW announces $8.5 million in funding for Puget Sound restoration

WDFW and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources recently announced millions in funding for projects to advance Puget Sound habitat recovery efforts.

A desert striped-whipsnake coiled up
Photo by Randimal
Public invited to submit information for new whipsnake status report

WDFW is specifically looking for information about the striped whipsnake’s demographics, current habitat conditions, threats and trends to populations, and existing conservation measures that have benefitted the species.

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