Best Wildlife Removal in New Mexico Ranked

When wildlife like raccoons, skunks, or coyotes move into your attic, under your deck, or threaten your property, knowing the right steps to take is crucial. In New Mexico, wildlife management is governed by specific state regulations that protect certain species while allowing for the control of others. This guide explains the legal landscape, when you need professional help, and how to find qualified local experts to safely and legally resolve your wildlife conflicts.

Hadlow Pest Solutions Albuquerque

4501 Bogan Ave NE B6, Albuquerque, NM 87109

Hadlow Pest Solutions Albuquerque provides pest control services in Albuquerque, NM, and nearby areas including Rio Rancho. The company offers treatments for bed bugs, ants, rodents, wildlife removal, and weed control for both residential and commercial properties. Led by Associate Certified Entomologist Leverett Hadlow, the team applies science-based methods and customized solutions to address pest issues and help prevent future infestations.

5.0

247 Reviews

Gopher Guys, LLC

albuquerque

Gopher Guys, LLC is a pest control company based in Albuquerque, NM, specializing in rodent control and wildlife removal. They focus on managing gopher populations, which are known for causing significant damage to landscapes, lawns, agriculture, and irrigation systems. Their services help prevent soil erosion and protect structures from damage caused by gopher tunnels. Gopher Guys, LLC addresses the safety hazards and disease risks associated with gophers and other rodents.

5.0

229 Reviews

Bosque Pest Control

albuquerque

Bosque Pest Control is a pest control company based in Albuquerque, NM, offering services for both residential and commercial properties. They specialize in ant and rodent control, wildlife removal including trapping raccoons, squirrels, and skunks, and weed and pest spraying. Their approach emphasizes safety and eco-friendly methods to maintain a pest-free environment. Bosque Pest Control serves multiple locations around Albuquerque, including Bernalillo, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe, among others.

4.9

75 Reviews

The Bug Boyz

albuquerque

The Bug Boyz is a pest and weed control company serving Albuquerque, NM, and the surrounding East Mountain areas. Since 2022, they have provided residential and commercial pest control services including bed bug treatment, mosquito control, wildlife removal, and weed treatment. Their services include a general pest control program with perimeter and interior treatments and a VIP service offering organic treatments and additional inspections. The company emphasizes environmentally friendly and pet-safe products, reflecting the owner's commitment to protecting local wildlife. Trevor Myers, one of the owners, brings nearly seven years of industry experience to the business.

5.0

36 Reviews

Orkin

3220 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107

Orkin provides residential and commercial pest control services in Albuquerque, NM. They handle a variety of pests including bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, and wildlife. Orkin offers specialized termite treatments using methods like Sentricon® bait, liquid barriers, and dry foam void filler to protect structures from damage. With over 120 years of experience, Orkin has established a long history in pest management. Their services are available 24/7 with flexible scheduling to accommodate urgent pest control needs.

4.7

1.9k Reviews

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Understanding New Mexico's Wildlife Classifications

Not all animals are treated equally under state law. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) categorizes wildlife, which directly impacts how they can be managed on your property ¹.

• Protected Furbearers: This category includes animals like raccoons, beavers, bobcats, foxes, and badgers. These species are regulated, and you generally cannot trap, harm, or kill them without specific authorization from the NMDGF ^{1 2}.
• Unprotected Species: Coyotes and skunks typically fall into this group. Property owners often have more flexibility in dealing with these animals if they are causing damage, though local ordinances may still apply ¹.
• Endangered & Threatened Species: Species listed as endangered or threatened in New Mexico have the highest level of protection. Removing them requires a permit, except in rare, immediate life-threatening emergencies where you must contact the NMDGF right away ^{3 4}.

When Do You Need a Permit for Wildlife Removal?

Navigating permit requirements is a key part of the process in New Mexico. Acting without the proper authorization can lead to significant penalties ⁵.

For Protected Furbearers: You must always contact the NMDGF before attempting to trap or kill a protected furbearer. A permit or specific license is required for the "take" (a term that includes capturing or killing) of these regulated animals ^{6 4}. The department can provide guidance on whether removal is warranted and how to proceed legally.

For Endangered Species: A formal permit from the NMDGF is mandatory for any removal activity. The only exception is if the animal poses an immediate, demonstrable threat to human life. In such an emergency, you must contact the department immediately after the fact ^{4 7}.

Landowner Rights: New Mexico law recognizes the right of property owners to protect their land from immediate damage caused by wildlife. However, this does not give carte blanche. Activities like baiting or feeding wildlife to attract them are illegal and can create problems, leading to penalties ⁸.

Common Wildlife Issues and Recommended Responses

Here's a look at some frequent offenders and the recommended steps for handling them, based on guidance from the City of Albuquerque and state resources ⁶.

• Raccoons & Skunks: Often seek shelter in chimneys, attics, or under structures. Remember, raccoons are protected furbearers. For both, prevention (securing trash, sealing entry points) is best. For active removal, especially of raccoons, contact the NMDGF or a licensed professional.
• Rodents (Pack Rats, Mice): While not typically protected, they can cause wire damage and fire hazards. Trapping is usually acceptable for property owners, but large infestations may require professional extermination.
• Coyotes: As unprotected species, coyotes can be more directly managed if they threaten pets or livestock. However, safe removal, often involving trapping, is hazardous and is best left to experienced handlers.
• Snakes: Most snakes in New Mexico are beneficial and non-venomous. If a venomous snake (like a rattlesnake) is in a high-traffic area, you can contact a professional for relocation. Never attempt to handle or kill venomous snakes yourself.
• Bats: Bats are protected in many contexts due to their ecological role. If bats are roosting in your home, special exclusion techniques (performed at the right time of year) are required by licensed professionals to avoid harming protected colonies.

The Cost of Professional Wildlife Removal in New Mexico

The price for resolving a wildlife conflict varies widely and depends on several key factors ^{3 6}.

What Influences Cost:

• The Animal Involved: Removing a colony of protected bats or a family of raccoons is more complex and costly than trapping a single skunk.
• Location and Accessibility: Animals in hard-to-reach attics or within walls require more labor and specialized equipment.
• Extent of Damage and Cleanup: Removal often includes repairing entry points, decontaminating areas (from urine/feces), and odor removal, which add to the total cost.
• Legal and Permit Requirements: Dealing with protected or endangered species involves permit fees and potentially more expensive, specialized handling protocols ^{4 5}.

General Price Ranges: While every situation is unique, you can expect live trapping and relocation for common animals like raccoons or skunks to start in the few hundred dollar range. More complicated jobs, such as removing a protected species or a large animal from a difficult location, can cost significantly more. In extreme cases involving large predators or illegal take of protected species, costs including fines and state-mandated remediation can reach into the thousands of dollars ⁵.

How to Choose a Wildlife Removal Service in New Mexico

Selecting the right professional is critical for a legal, effective, and humane resolution.

1. Verify Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the company is properly licensed to operate in New Mexico and carries liability insurance. Ask specifically about their experience with NMDGF regulations.
2. Check for Specialized Knowledge: A reputable service will understand the difference between protected and unprotected species and should be able to explain the permit process if needed. They should prioritize humane, exclusion-based methods over lethal control when possible.
3. Get Detailed Estimates: Obtain written estimates from multiple providers. The estimate should detail the animal(s) involved, the removal method, any repairs or exclusion work, cleanup, and a guarantee period.
4. Ask About Follow-up and Prevention: The job isn't done when the animal is gone. A good service will identify and seal entry points to prevent future intrusions and may offer a warranty on their work.
5. Consult State Resources First: For uncertain situations, especially with protected species, your first call can be to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. They can offer direct guidance or recommend permitted professionals ^{1 6}.

Key Contacts and Resources

• New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF): The primary state agency for all wildlife regulations, permits, and reporting violations. Their website offers species information and contact details for regional offices ¹.
• City of Albuquerque Urban Wildlife Page: A valuable resource for residents, offering practical advice on common urban wildlife conflicts and how to respond appropriately ⁶.

Resolving wildlife issues in New Mexico requires a blend of prompt action, respect for state laws, and often, professional expertise. By understanding the regulations and knowing how to find qualified help, you can protect your property while ensuring the state's wildlife is managed responsibly.

Frequently asked questions

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