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

Spring babies — do they need your help?

Every year we see people who want to “help” fawns left alone in the forest. But, just because baby animals are alone does not mean they need help. Fight the urge to pick up and rescue bedded fawns — you might save their life.

Learn more to keep wildlife wild

Leave feeders down until April 1 to help protect wild birds

Continued reports of sick or dead birds at backyard feeders across the northwest are prompting WDFW to recommend that people either wait until April 1 to put bird feeders back up or take extra steps to clean them.

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More news

March 04

State asks public to inspect aquarium moss and prevent movement of invasive mussels

February 24

WDFW to restore critical salmon habitat at Skagit Wildlife Area Island Unit

February 23

Leave bird feeders down until April 1 to protect wild birds from deadly salmonellosis

February 22

State, partners remind recreational boaters to give Southern Resident killer whales extra space with news of calf

Conservation starts here

Biodiversity of shrubsteppe ecosystem

As one of Washington's most diverse ecosystems, shrubsteppe provides habitat for species found nowhere else in the state, such as the Greater sage-grouse and burrowing owl.

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