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.

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Species in Washington

Looking to learn more about a specific fish or wildlife species in Washington? Start here.

Ecosystems in Washington

Learn about the variety of ecosystems found in Washington that provide habitat for fish and wildlife.

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.

Marine toxic contaminants

The Toxics Biological Observation System (TBiOS) team monitors and tracks toxic contaminants in Puget Sound and on Washington's Pacific coast.

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Species news & important dates

First female grizzly captured, collared and released onsite in Washington

In a first for Washington state, wildlife biologists recently captured and fitted a female grizzly bear with a radio collar.

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Avoid feeding deer to increase distancing and slow AHD virus spread

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) biologists have confirmed that a highly contagious viral infection, known as adenovirus hemorrhagic disease (AHD), is affecting deer across the San Juan Islands.

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More news

July 21

Scientists to conduct aerial survey of Chinook River Estuary in Pacific County

July 15

First female grizzly bear captured, radio collared, and released onsite in Washington

July 08

WDFW asks public to responsibly handle fish in the heat, report fish or shellfish die-offs

June 24

WDFW restricts campfires, other activities at wildlife and water access areas in Eastern Washington