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.

Group of swans swimming on a fall day

In this section

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

Sunset over estuary
Restoring 250 acres of estuary habitat

On Oct 14, contractors breached dikes on Leque Island to restore estuary habitat in the Stillaguamish watershed. Estuaries are important for juvenile Chinook salmon as they transition from fresh to salt water, as well as shorebirds, waterfowl, and a host of other species in the area.

Read news story
black bear
Five tips for living with bears

Fall is here, and Washington’s black bears are stocking up fat reserves for winter hibernation. Check out our five tips for living with black bears this fall.

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More news

Conservation starts here

I-90 Snoqualmie Pass wildlife crossing tour
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
Mule deer forage in shrubsteppe habitat
Shrubsteppe spotlight
WDFW worked with Forterra and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to buy 4,486 acres of land near Yakima to benefit wildlife and people.
Read article from Crosscut