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.

Swans

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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

Old building at twilight
Taking the night shift

Learn about the threats facing Washington bats and how biologists work to monitor their populations throughout the year. 

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swans in water
Swans returning to Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties

Trumpeter and tundra swans are returning to Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, and other western Washington counties. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has re-established a hotline to report sick, injured, or dead swans in western Washington counties as part of its ongoing effort to

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Conservation starts here

Shore Friendly Living
You can help protect Puget Sound by making informed decisions when considering how to manage your marine waterfront.
Male Greater Sage-Grouse
Wildfires reinforce case for Greater Sage-grouse endangered status
Recent wildfires add to reasons for enhancing protections for Sage-grouse
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Pygmy rabbit
Shrubsteppe species spotlight
Washington's endangered pygmy rabbit population suffered great loss from recent wildfires.
Read story from Seattle Times