What was the first United States department established related to wildlife?

The Department of Agriculture's Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy is recognized as the first official entity in the United States dedicated to the study and management of wildlife. Established in 1885, this division focused on understanding the economic impacts of birds and mammals on agriculture, which laid the groundwork for future wildlife conservation efforts.

This early division was significant because it marked the beginning of formal recognition of wildlife management as an important field, reflecting the growing awareness of the need to study and manage wildlife populations and their habitats to maintain ecological balance and agricultural prosperity. By focusing on the economic aspects of wildlife, the division helped to highlight the relationships between human activities and wildlife populations, which is fundamental to conservation efforts.

In contrast, the other options represent later developments in wildlife management or environmental protection. The Forest Service was created within the Department of Agriculture in 1905 to manage national forests, the Department of the Interior was established in 1849 and encompasses various functions including land and natural resource management, while the Environmental Protection Agency was formed in 1970 to address environmental pollution and protect human health. These entities followed the pioneering efforts of the Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy, marking their progression in the field of wildlife and environmental management.