U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

But beyond the numbers, it’s about early mornings, long days outside and a partnership built on trust. They provide a companionship you only get from a dog that’s just as driven as you are. These partnerships help keep traditions alive, strengthen connections to the land and support conservation through the very systems that fund wildlife management. Check out the full story and see why hunting dogs are such an important part of the experience: fws.gov/carp/story/202…

A good hunting dog does more than find birds or track game. They’re paws-itively essential to the whole operation. About 1.2 million hunters in the U.S. rely on dogs, supporting trainers, vets, gear makers and rural communities. That adds up to an estimated $11.8 billion in economic impact.

If you’re smiling like this bullfrog today, you’re doing St. Patrick’s Day right. 🍀 Photo by Garrett Derr (STE)

Happy birthday to the National Wildlife Refuge System! It all started in 1903 when President Theodore Roosevelt protected Pelican Island for nesting birds. Today, the Refuge System includes 570+ refuges across the country. By the Numbers: 2.63M annual hunting visits 8.61M annual fishing visits 4,197 miles of public trails and boardwalks 7,352 lane miles of public roads 📷American avocet at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge National by Jean Zuo (STE)

It's Mag Pi Day. No further questions at this time. 📷Black-billed magpie at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge by USFWS

"K9 Teal's nose is a true wildlife hero! 🐾" - Grok

@grok is it true that a dog's sense of smell is estimated to be 40 to 50 times more sensitive than a human's?

Meet one of our most effective law enforcement tools. Four legs. One incredible nose. A big thank you to all of the brave K9s and their handlers on this National K9 Veterans Day. Photo of USFWS K9 Teal 🐾

Meet the beautiful Watercress Darter! This week we're heading to Birmingham, Alabama: an urban space with both a rich industrial history and well-stewarded freshwater oases that hold this precious endangered fish. Listen to the story: fws.gov/fish-of-the-we… 🐟💎🎣 #AllTheFish

Video description: A large American alligator slowly moves past a trail camera in a wooded wetland. Video by USFWS

Oh look. A prehistoric swamp log with legs. This trail camera caught a large American alligator cruising through Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. It looks slow, but don’t be fooled. Over short distances, alligators can sprint up to about 11 miles per hour on land.

Meet the Blackbanded Sunfish, a beautiful and rare native species found in pockets of blackwater habitats along the east coast. Guests this week from @MarylandDNR. Catch this episode later today: fws.gov/fish-of-the-we…🎣 📷 Michael Zambardino CC BY-NC 4.0 #AllTheFish

Across the country, families and community programs are introducing the next generation to responsible firearm handling. From the backyard to the biathlon course, it all starts with opportunity. Read more about how participation in the shooting sports often begins close to home: ow.ly/oO3150Yn4kI

Olympic biathletes were not born on the podium. Their journey started close to home with mentors, practice, and safe instruction. That is how shooting sports participation grows, one family and one community at a time.

From removing carp to restoring island ecosystems after invasive predators are eliminated, these efforts help safeguard wildlife, support outdoor recreation and reduce economic losses tied to invasive species. 3/3 Learn more: doi.gov/blog/invasive-… 📷Silver carp by USFWS

We work with states, tribes & partners to slow the spread of invasive species & protect native habitats. Our teams focus on prevention, early detection, public education and research that helps stop new invasions before they become costly problems. 2/3 📷Emerald ash borer USFWS

Invasive species do not just threaten wildlife. They also carry a heavy cost for communities and the U.S. economy. Researchers estimate invasive species cost the U.S. more than $21 billion every year in economic and environmental impacts. 🧵 #NISAW 📷Burmese python by USGS

No better way to celebrate America's 250th birthday than getting out and exploring our public lands! Get your park pass today! recreation.gov/pass

“State wildlife agencies are critical partners who are on the front lines of wildlife management and conservation. They provide expertise and leadership in our shared conservation efforts,” said Service Director Brian Nesvik. More: fws.gov/press-release/…

This funding isn’t drawn from general tax dollars. It’s generated by federal excise taxes paid by manufacturers on ammunition, firearms, archery and angling equipment, along with a fuel and small engine tax. This funding has been driving conservation success for nearly a century.

Hunters and anglers did it again. More than $1.2 billion in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funding is going back to states, commonwealths and territories to support conservation and outdoor opportunities.