Supporting Wildlife And Providing For People
WILDLIFE, HABITAT, AND PEOPLE
Administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Wildlife Refuge System is a network of habitats that support a diversity of wildlife and provide outstanding outdoor experiences for all Americans.
This network of 96 million acres of protected lands has grown to encompass 548 wildlife refuges, thousands of waterfowl protection areas, and many special management areas such as federally designated wilderness areas and biosphere reserves.
An incredible amount of biodiversity is protected by the Refuge System:- 220+ mammal species
- 700+ bird species
- 250+ reptile and amphibian species
- 200+ fish species
- countless insect species
- thousands of plant species
The US Fish and Wildlife Service encourages refuge visitors to enjoy the wildlife, the scenic beauty, and to participate in recreation and other activities that are allowed in the Refuge System.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
- More about the Refuge System
- More about the US Fish and Wildlife Service
- America's National Wildlife Refuges (2.8 MB PDF)
- Areas of Unique Interest (359 KB PDF)
- Waterfowl Production Areas (3.5 MB PDF)
- Wildlife and Habitat Management (100 KB PDF)
- National Wildlife Refuge System Profile (893 KB PDF)
- Wilderness Areas (362 KB PDF)
- Special Management Areas (610 KB PDF)