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.

American badger

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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.
Fish and Wildlife Live Cameras
Enjoy live footage of salmon and steelhead in the greater Puget Sound area.
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Species news & important dates

Orca jumps out of water
Watch the recording of Wild Washington Live! Southern Resident Killer Whales.

Watch the recording of our first Wild Washington LIVE! event of the school year to learn about Southern Resident Killer Whales and what WDFW does to protect this endangered population. 

 

Watch the recording on YouTube
fisher
Fishers released at Olympic National Park to boost restoration efforts for housecat-sized member of weasel family

On Friday, Nov. 5, federal, state, tribal and partner biologists released five fishers from Alberta, Canada into the lush, coastal forest near Lake Ozette, the latest event in a nearly two decades-long project to restore the native species to Washington State.

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More news

Conservation starts here

"This Land is Part of Us" Film Screening and Discussion
Watch the recorded screening and panel discussion for a short film WDFW produced in partnership with Conservation Northwest about the shrubsteppe ecosystem.
Undersized culvert, a common barrier to fish migration
Grant application period for fish barrier removal projects now open
The Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board is accepting grant proposals to remove barriers that prevent salmon and steelhead from swimming upstream.
Learn more
Bulkhead on beach
Puget Sound meets 2020 bulkhead removal goal, new indicators will chart the future
The 2020 goal to reduce shoreline armoring was just barely reached last year. Bulkheads often occupy areas of the beach used by forage fish, which are important food for salmon.
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