What We Do
The Office of Law Enforcement is an integral part of
the overall Service program in Alaska. Enforcement activities support
the regional and national interests and objectives of the Service
in the sound management of the Nation's fish and wildlife resources,
by regulating human activities that may have an adverse effect on
wildlife populations. International conservation efforts are also
achieved by enforcement of treaties and U.S. laws to help foreign
countries protect their indigenous wildlife species.
Wildlife law enforcement in Alaska presents extraordinary challenges
to special agents and wildlife inspectors working in the field. The
geographical area of Alaska consists of 1,593,438 square miles of
expansive tundra, diverse flora/fauna, and remote mountain ranges
unparalleled by any other region of North America. Many communities
in the state are not situated near the state's limited road system,
and Service officers can only reach them by using aircraft, boat,
or snow machine. The complexity of enforcing federal wildlife laws
in Alaska is further complicated by the large number of unresolved
and contentious legal issues involving the use of fish and wildlife
resources by different interest groups.
Special agents are involved in a wide variety of activities that
may include meeting with Alaska Natives and other residents of isolated
rural communities to explain, and gain support for federal laws and
Service policy; conducting surveillance of migratory waterfowl hunters;
investigating allegations of illegal guiding activities on and off
Service lands; and conducting complex covert operations.
Wildlife inspectors monitor the import and export of wildlife, including
parts and products, and taking appropriate enforcement action when
illegal activity is discovered. Their responsibilities also include
identifying wildlife parts and products, verifying the authenticity
of wildlife permits, collecting fees, and promoting public outreach.
Inspections are conducted at Alaska's land, air, and ocean ports of
entry, including express mail and air cargo facilities. Inspectors
are stationed at the Anchorage International Airport. Inspectors,
in conjunction with U.S. Customs, also inspect wildlife shipments
at the ports of Fairbanks, Alcan, Juneau, Dalton Cache, and Skagway.
Last updated: May 19, 2008
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