Rugged Justice

Members of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Police in Washington are tasked with protecting both wildlife and people throughout the state. Covering such a vast area - 42 million acres of rugged terrain - can be a challenge for the more than 100 officers on the force who respond to more than 225,000 calls annually. Whether trying to catch bears. detaining wildlife poachers along the US-Canada border, or going under cover to take down animal traffickers, the officers put their lives on the line as they face danger on a daily basis.