The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Office of Law Enforcement and National Wildlife Refuge Law Enforcement program comprise a nationwide team dedicated to protecting America’s wildlife, public lands, and communities. Their roles vary widely—from Special Agents investigating international wildlife trafficking and smuggling networks, to Wildlife Inspectors monitoring cargo at ports of entry, to Federal Wildlife Officers patrolling vast public lands. Supported by forensic analysts and intelligence experts, these professionals form a layered defense system that enforces conservation laws locally, nationally, and globally.

USFWS law enforcement not only safeguards natural resources but also strengthens national security by disrupting transnational criminal organizations involved in wildlife trafficking and other illicit activities. Federal Wildlife Officers engage in diverse duties such as educating the public, responding to emergencies, and investigating poaching, often serving as the sole law enforcement presence in remote areas. United by a commitment to public service, these officers ensure that America’s natural heritage is protected for future generations, earning recognition on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day for their vital and often unseen contributions.