The Office of Law Enforcement is composed of special agents, wildlife inspectors, intelligence analysts, forensic scientists, information technology specialists, and support staff who investigate wildlife crimes, regulate the wildlife trade, help the public understand and obey wildlife protections laws, and work in partnership with international, federal, state, local, and Tribal counterparts to conserve wildlife resources.

Latest Stories and Topics

Stories
stick figure person and a piece of mail floating away
Science and Technology
Listening to Feedback
The ePermits Customer Satisfaction Survey launched on December 6, 2022. In line with Executive Order 14085, the survey is a tool to understand customer needs and expectations for ePermits. In our first year, we received 1,556 responses, of which 780 contained written comments (December 2022 –...
cartoon of a tan wizard with a white beard and long white hair gesturing to a web page with arrows pointing to different boxes
Science and Technology
The Magic of Design
For those embarking on their first permit application with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the process can be confusing. For those wishing they could just wave a wand and get the permit they need, well, they’re in luck! By developing a permit application “wizard”, akin to a guided question...
graphic illustration of two people with backpacks looking at a map and a rising sun on the horizon with the text "goal: improving satisfaction" and an arrow pointing to "mapping our your journey"
Science and Technology
Personas, Journey Maps, and Usability Testing
As part of our efforts to improve the ePermits Customer Experience, we seek to understand the unique needs and experiences of different kinds of permit applicants and permit holders. We are in the process of developing a variety of research tools that help us to understand commonalities and...
A gray wolf lays down in short grasses, with it's head up and looking quizzically at the camera.
Wildlife Crime
Reward Offered for Information on Washington Gray Wolf Killings
The USFWS and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are seeking information regarding the illegal killing of two federally listed endangered gray wolves.
Watercraft inspector physically inspecting two kayaks on top of truck roof rack for aquatic invasive species.
Recreation
Preventing dreissenid mussels from entering Alaska
Just as Gandalf famously declared 'You shall not pass!' to protect the passageway from great evil in Lord of the Rings, we must continue a similar attitude in our prevention of zebra mussels. These tiny, invasive mussels pose a serious threat to our waterways, ecosystems, and infrastructure. By...
bald eagle feathers from destroyed nest
Wildlife Crime
Reward Offered for Information on Destruction of Active Bald Eagle Nest in North Texas
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of $1,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for the destruction of an active bald eagle nest on private land in Sherman, Texas.
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Our Library

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Visit our Libraries for documents such as Public Bulletins, Annual Reports, and fact sheets related to Commercial Wildlife Trade, Personal Wildlife Trade and more!

Office of Law Enforcement Updates and New Additions

OLE Public Bulletin- Canadian Anguilla rostrata (American Eel) Elver Season Closure 05-02-2024

OLE Public Bulletin- Amendments adopted at CoP19 entered into force 11-28-23.pdf

OLE Public Bulletin - Revision of 50 CFR Part 12 Seizures and Forfeitures 8-22-23

Work With Us

If you need immediate assistance with fishing or hunting violations, please contact your state fish and wildlife enforcement agency or local police. If you have information about any other wildlife crime, please follow the link below, or call: 1-844-397-8477. 

Please do not leave reports requesting assistance for injured wildlife/birds. You can learn more about what to do with injured or orphaned wildlife here. 

Report a wildlife crime

Rewards Program:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is authorized to pay rewards for information or assistance that leads to an arrest, a criminal conviction, civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of seized property. Payment of rewards is the discretion of the Service and is linked to specific federal wildlife laws. The amount of any reward we may pay is commensurate with the information or assistance received. Please discuss the possibility of receiving a reward with the Service personnel receiving your information or assistance.