Top Wildlife Removal Companies in Broomfield, Colorado Ranked

Discovering an uninvited animal in your attic, garage, or yard can be unsettling. Wildlife removal is the professional service dedicated to safely and humanely resolving conflicts with wild animals that have become a nuisance or a hazard to your property. In Broomfield, where urban development meets natural habitats, understanding how to manage these encounters is crucial for your safety and the well-being of local wildlife. This guide explains the common species you might encounter, what you can do yourself, when to call for help, and how to navigate local regulations to find effective, ethical animal control solutions.

Common Nuisance Wildlife in Broomfield

Broomfield's location on the Front Range creates a unique interface where residential areas border open spaces, leading to frequent wildlife encounters. Knowing which animals are most likely to cause issues is the first step in effective wildlife management.

Mammals:

• Raccoons: Intelligent and dexterous, raccoons are notorious for rummaging through trash and gaining access to attics or crawl spaces, where they can cause significant damage and create health risks with their droppings.
• Squirrels: Both tree and ground squirrels can be problematic. They often chew on wiring, wood, and insulation when nesting in attics, and can damage gardens.
• Skunks: Known for their potent defense mechanism, skunks often burrow under decks, sheds, or porches. An encounter with a pet can lead to a very unpleasant situation.
• Rodents: Mice and rats seek shelter and food in homes, especially as temperatures drop. They contaminate food supplies and can chew through various materials.
• Other Visitors: Residents may also encounter opossums, bats, coyotes, and the occasional fox. While coyotes are generally wary of humans, they can pose a risk to small pets. ^{1 2}

Reptiles:

• Snakes: Non-venomous snakes like gophersnakes and bullsnakes are common in Colorado and help control rodent populations. However, their presence in a yard or garage can be alarming. It's important to properly identify the species, as while rare, rattlesnakes can be found in the region.

What Homeowners Can Do: DIY Prevention & Control

For minor issues, there are several effective, humane steps you can take to discourage wildlife from taking up residence on your property. The City and County of Broomfield and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) emphasize prevention and coexistence.

Habitat Modification is Key: The most effective long-term strategy is to make your property less attractive to wildlife.

• Seal Entry Points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior. Seal any holes or cracks larger than 1/4 inch, which is enough for a mouse to enter. Install sturdy screens on attic vents, chimney caps, and crawl space openings.
• Secure Food Sources: Use wildlife-resistant trash cans with locking lids. Keep pet food indoors and clean barbecue grills after use. Avoid leaving fallen fruit from trees on the ground.
• Remove Shelter: Clear away wood piles, dense brush, and debris from against your home's foundation. Trim tree branches back at least 6-8 feet from your roof to limit access for squirrels and raccoons.

Understanding Live Trapping Rules: For certain animals like squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons, Colorado law allows landowners to live-trap animals causing damage on their own property. However, CPW has strict regulations:

• You must notify CPW before releasing the animal.
• Relocation is limited. Animals must be released on suitable habitat within 10 miles of the capture site (for raccoons, within 2 miles).
• It is illegal to relocate an animal onto public lands without a permit.
• The alternative is to humanely euthanize the animal or release it on your own property.

A Critical Rule: It is illegal in Colorado to keep most native wildlife as pets. If you find an injured or orphaned animal, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. ³

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

While DIY methods work for prevention, some situations require the expertise of a licensed wildlife control operator.

Call a Professional For:

• Significant Property Damage: When animals are actively damaging your home's structure, wiring, or insulation in areas like attics or walls.
• Health and Safety Risks: If you suspect a colony of bats (which require special exclusion techniques due to laws and health concerns) or a raccoon family in your attic. Handling animal waste (guano, urine) also poses health risks.
• Dangerous or Protected Species: Situations involving venomous snakes, bears, or mountain lions should always be handled by professionals with the proper training and permits. ⁴
• Complex Infestations: When you cannot locate the entry point, when multiple animals are involved, or when DIY trapping has been unsuccessful.
• Need for Permanent Exclusion: Professionals don't just remove the animal; they identify and seal all potential entry points to prevent future problems, often offering repair services for damaged areas.

Contact Broomfield Animal Control or Police Non-Emergency Line: For immediate threats to public safety, such as an aggressive animal, or if you are unsure how to proceed, contacting local authorities is advisable. They can provide guidance or respond if the situation falls under their jurisdiction.

Local Regulations and Coexistence Policies

Broomfield has specific ordinances and a philosophical approach to managing urban wildlife.

• Coexistence Policy: Broomfield officially promotes safe coexistence with wildlife. This policy guides the city's approach to species like coyotes and prairie dogs, emphasizing public education and non-lethal management strategies where possible. ⁵
• Municipal Code on Possession: The Broomfield Municipal Code generally prohibits the possession of wild animals. Exceptions are typically made only for non-poisonous snakes and domesticated animals like ferrets. ⁶
• Statewide CPW Regulations: Colorado Parks and Wildlife sets the rules for trapping, relocation, and handling of all wildlife. Many actions, especially those involving relocation or protected species, require permits from CPW. Always verify that any professional you hire is fully licensed and complies with state regulations. ⁷

Understanding Wildlife Removal Costs in Broomfield

The cost for professional animal control services varies widely based on the species, the extent of the problem, and the necessary repairs. Below are general estimates to help you budget.

• Initial Inspection: Most companies charge a service fee for assessment, typically ranging from $100 to $200. ⁸
• Removal by Species:
  • Squirrels or Raccoons: Removal from an attic, including trapping and removal, often falls between $250 and $600+. ^{9 10}
  • Skunks or Opossums: Removing a single animal from under a deck or porch may cost $200 to $400. ¹¹
  • Bats or Snakes: These require specialized exclusion and removal techniques. Costs are highly variable but can range from $300 to $800 or more. ¹²
• Exclusion and Repair: The critical final step-sealing entry points and repairing damage-adds significantly to the total. This can add several hundred dollars to the overall cost but is essential for a permanent solution.

Key Local Resources

• Broomfield Wildlife Information: The city's official page provides local guidance, contact information, and details on ordinances. ¹³
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) - Living with Wildlife: An invaluable resource for state regulations, DIY guidelines, and information on common species. ¹⁴
• CPW Nuisance Wildlife Page: Details on conflict species and the legal framework for handling them. ¹⁵

Frequently asked questions

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