Virginia Wildlife

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' mission is:

-To manage Virginia's wildlife and inland fish to maintain optimum populations of all species to serve the needs of the Commonwealth;
-To provide opportunity for all to enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating and related outdoor recreation and to work diligently to safeguard the rights of the people to hunt, fish and harvest game as provided for in the Constitution of Virginia;
-To promote safety for persons and property in connection with boating, hunting and fishing;
-To provide educational outreach programs and materials that foster an awareness of and appreciation for Virginia's fish and wildlife resources, their habitats, and hunting, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Latest Content
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Reptiles and Amphibians

Interested in Virginia's reptiles and amphibians? This fun new A Look Outside video tracks a group of cub scouts as they learn about spotted salamanders, canebrake rattlesnakes, wood turtles and more!

Grades K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8
Science
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Living With Black Bears in Virginia

Black bears are becoming an increasingly common sight in Virginia — bears now live in almost every county! But even as our black bear population grows and expands, at the same time, residential areas are encroaching into the forested lands and habitats used by bears and other wildlife, thus increasing the chances for bear/human interaction or conflicts.

Grades K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8
Science
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A Virginia Jewel: The Smith River

Fisheries biologists conduct a fish sampling survey on the scenic Smith River using electrofishing equipment.

Grades 6-8 | 9-12
Science
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Trout

This delightful series takes students on a "look outside" where they learn about different species of animals.

Grades K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8
Science | Mathematics
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American Shad-The Long Journey Home

This delightful series takes students on a "look outside" where they learn about different species of animals.

Grades K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8
Science
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Turkey Tales

Learn all about Virginia's wild turkey in this fun video that follows a group of students as they visit Jamestown, capture turkeys using rocket nets, participate in a "wing bee" and more.

Grades K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8
Science | History-Social Science
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Virginia's Endangered Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat

Join Department biologist J.D. Kleopfer on a survey of the state endangered Rafinesque's big-eared bat.

Grades K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8
Science
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The Virginia Wildlife Action Plan

Clean air, clean water and a place to live... it doesn't get any simpler!

Grades K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-12
Science