Nuisance Wildlife Laws in Arizona: What Every Property Owner Needs to Know

A coyote prowling your backyard, a rattlesnake coiled near your front door, or a raccoon raiding your trash — wildlife encounters are a fact of life across the Grand Canyon State. What many Arizona residents don’t realize is that how you respond to those encounters is tightly regulated by state law.

Arizona does not give homeowners a blanket right to trap, relocate, or kill nuisance animals on their own property. Acting on instinct rather than knowledge can quickly transform a routine nuisance problem into a criminal matter. Whether you’re dealing with a skunk under your porch or a javelina in your garden, understanding the rules before you act is essential.

This guide walks you through exactly what Arizona law allows, which animals carry special protections, and how to stay fully compliant when wildlife shows up where it doesn’t belong. You’ll also find guidance on Arizona wildlife removal laws that apply to specific removal scenarios beyond the nuisance context.

What Counts as Nuisance Wildlife in Arizona

Within the state of Arizona, the definition of nuisance wildlife is crucial for understanding and addressing human-wildlife interactions. Nuisance wildlife refers to animal species that cause problems or conflicts for people or property. These species may include, but are not limited to, coyotes, javelinas, skunks, and raccoons. When these animals encroach on residential areas, damage property, or pose a threat to human safety, they are considered nuisance species.

Arizona is home to an abundance of wildlife. From black-tailed prairie dogs to black bears to javelina, raptors and mountain lions, there are a myriad of animals, large and small, that inhabit the Grand Canyon State. Urban sprawl is encroaching on places where these animals have traditionally been free to roam and forage. Droughts have also caused animals to seek out water and readily available food sources in populated areas.

The label “nuisance” is not a legal free pass to remove or kill an animal. It simply describes the conflict — the legal framework that governs what you can actually do about it is a separate matter entirely, and it starts with identifying the species involved.

Key Insight: Being a nuisance does not strip an animal of its legal protections. A raccoon raiding your trash is still a protected nongame animal under Arizona law.

Pest animals in Arizona come in many forms and will change depending on where you are in the state. Bats, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, badgers, Canada geese, other birds, gophers, foxes, rats, mice, and many more critters can cause problems with businesses, agricultural areas, and residential premises in a host of ways. This can include damage to property, the spread of disease, other biological hazards, bad smells, ugly stains, structural instability, and more.

Your Rights as a Property Owner in Arizona

While residents may wish to take nuisance animal incidents into their own hands, it is important to know the rules and regulations that govern wildlife in Arizona — rules set by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission (AZGFC), which has oversight over more than 800 species of wildlife across the state.

In Arizona, it is unlawful to possess, kill, harass, hunt, or handle wildlife that is protected by state or federal law without proper permits under ARS Title 17. That covers the vast majority of animals you are likely to encounter, from songbirds and raptors to coyotes and javelinas.

Your rights as a property owner do include some meaningful protections, but they are narrower than many people assume:

• Self-defense: Any person may take wildlife in self-defense or in defense of another person if it is immediately necessary to protect oneself or to protect the other person. A person shall notify the department within five days after taking wildlife under this section.
• Posting your land: Landowners or lessees of private land who desire to prohibit hunting, fishing, trapping, or guiding on their lands without their permission shall post such lands closed to hunting, fishing, trapping, or guiding using notices or signboards.
• Rodent control: The use of traps for rodent control or poisons for rodent control for the purpose of controlling wild and domestic rodents as otherwise allowed by the laws of the state of Arizona is permitted, excluding any fur-bearing animals as defined in section 17-101.
• Feeding restrictions: Feeding, attracting, or enticing wildlife (except birds and tree squirrels) is illegal in Pima, Pinal, and Maricopa counties. Violations can result in up to a $300 fine.

The exclusion for fur-bearing animals in the rodent control provision is important — it means you cannot simply assume that a small, rodent-like animal is fair game without first confirming its classification. Beyond those specific rodents, the list of animals you can freely remove is very short.

Important Note: Even on your own private property, you do not have the right to trap, relocate, or kill most protected wildlife without a permit. Property ownership does not override state wildlife law.

If you own property in Arizona and want to understand how animal laws intersect more broadly, you may also find it useful to review dog leash laws in Arizona and backyard chicken laws in Arizona for related regulatory context.

Legal Methods for Removing Nuisance Wildlife in Arizona

Addressing the presence of nuisance wildlife in residential areas and safeguarding human interests necessitates a thorough understanding of the legal methods available for wildlife control. When dealing with nuisance wildlife, it is essential to employ preventative measures and humane removal techniques to ensure a safe and peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Arizona law permits several approaches, but each comes with conditions depending on the species involved.

Preventative Measures (No Permit Required)

The most legally straightforward approach is preventing wildlife from accessing your property in the first place. These steps require no permits and are encouraged by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD):

• Securing trash cans with locking lids
• Removing outdoor food sources, including fallen fruit and pet food
• Installing exclusion fencing around gardens or livestock areas
• Sealing entry points into structures such as attics and crawl spaces
• Using motion-activated lights or sprinklers as deterrents

Feeding wildlife is not in the best interest of wildlife as it often leads to property damage and/or safety issues for people and pets living in the area. The majority of wildlife attacks in Arizona are the result of fed wildlife becoming habituated to humans. Removing attractants is therefore both a legal obligation in some counties and a practical first line of defense everywhere.

Hazing and Deterrence

For animals like coyotes that are passing through your property, non-lethal hazing is a legal and recommended option. You can make wildlife feel uncomfortable by making loud noises, throwing rocks, and similar actions. Asking your neighbors to follow these steps is also helpful, since wildlife that is attracted to one home often visits adjoining lots.

Trapping With a Permit

Utilizing live traps and relocation methods can safely capture and remove nuisance wildlife without causing harm to the animals. However, trapping most protected species requires a permit from the AZGFD. You cannot simply purchase a live trap at a hardware store and relocate a raccoon or skunk without authorization. For most species, this work must be carried out by or under the supervision of a licensed wildlife control operator.

Pro Tip: When in doubt about a species’ legal status, call the AZGFD at 602-942-3000 or visit azgfd.com before attempting any removal. A quick call can save you from a costly violation.

For additional context on how removal rules differ across state lines, see how wildlife removal laws in Florida and wildlife removal laws in California compare to Arizona’s framework.

Relocation Rules in Arizona

Relocating wildlife in Arizona is not something you can do freely on your own. The Arizona Game and Fish Department issues Wildlife Service Licenses which allow professional wildlife removal companies to remove and relocate nuisance wildlife. Without that license, transporting and releasing a protected animal — even with good intentions — is a violation of state law.

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of Arizona nuisance wildlife law. Many property owners believe that catching an animal and releasing it somewhere else is a harmless and humane solution. Under Arizona law, it is neither harmless nor legal without proper authorization.

Seasonal Restrictions on Relocation

The rules also vary by season. Arizona’s open season for nongame wildlife generally runs from September through February, which is when you can trap raccoons with a valid permit. Outside those months you’re in closed season, meaning capture or relocation requires an emergency or nuisance permit from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Emergency exceptions exist if a raccoon poses an immediate threat to health or safety — think aggressive attacks or rabies concerns.

Season	Period	Trapping Status for Nongame Wildlife	Permit Required?
Open Season	September – February	Trapping allowed with valid permit	Yes — standard permit
Closed Season	March – August	Trapping restricted	Yes — emergency/nuisance permit
Immediate Threat	Any time	Emergency action may be permitted	Yes — notify AZGFD within 5 days

No person shall import or transport into this state or sell, trade, or release within this state, or have in the person’s possession any live wildlife except as authorized by the commission. This provision applies to relocation even within Arizona’s borders — you cannot simply drive an animal to a park and release it without authorization.

Common Mistake: Releasing a trapped animal on public land without a permit is still a violation of ARS Title 17, even if you believe you are doing the animal a favor.

Species With Special Rules in Arizona

Arizona’s wildlife laws are not one-size-fits-all. Several species carry layered protections under both state and federal law, and each requires a different approach when a conflict arises.

Javelinas

Animals such as black bears, mountain lions, javelinas, elk, and pronghorn are big game animals that require specific permits and, in most nuisance situations, professional wildlife service involvement. Javelinas are a particularly common source of conflict in Sonoran Desert communities. They are protected big game animals and cannot be killed or relocated without proper authorization, even when they damage landscaping or threaten pets.

Coyotes and Bobcats

Coyotes and bobcats are predatory and fur-bearing animals subject to trapping license requirements and seasonal restrictions. Bobcats in particular are regulated under fur-bearing animal rules, which means trapping them outside of designated seasons — even on your own property — requires a specific permit. Coyotes may be taken during open season with a valid hunting license, but discharge of a firearm near occupied structures is heavily restricted by both state and local ordinances.

Raccoons

Arizona classifies raccoons as nongame wildlife protected from unlicensed trapping or relocation. Homeowners must obtain a permit from the Arizona Game and Fish Department before any removal actions. Raccoons are one of the most frequent sources of nuisance complaints in Arizona, particularly in the northern pine forest regions where populations are dense.

Bats

It takes an experienced professional to safely and legally remove a colony of bats. Bats are also protected under federal law in many circumstances. Most bat species in Arizona are protected under both state nongame wildlife rules and, in some cases, federal protections. Exclusion — not extermination — is the only legally permissible approach, and it must be timed carefully to avoid trapping flightless pups inside a structure.

Birds

Most local birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The MBTA makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, possess, sell, purchase, barter, import, export, or transport any migratory bird, or any part, nest, or egg of any such bird, unless authorized under a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior. This federal law applies on top of Arizona’s state protections and covers the vast majority of native bird species you might encounter.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptiles and amphibians under protection in Arizona include the Gila monster, desert tortoise, flat-tailed horned lizard, twin-spotted rattlesnake, and others. These cannot be handled, relocated, or killed without proper authorization. Even a rattlesnake that appears in your yard is not automatically fair game — species-level identification matters, and some rattlesnake species carry stronger protections than others.

Endangered and Threatened Species

Arizona law protects endangered and threatened species under ARS § 17-303. Violations involving the taking, harming, or destruction of protected species or their habitats can result in criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. If you are unsure whether an animal on your property falls into this category, contacting the AZGFD before taking any action is essential.

To see how Arizona’s species-specific rules compare to neighboring states, you can review wildlife removal laws in Colorado and wildlife removal laws in New Mexico for a regional comparison.

When You Need a Licensed Wildlife Control Operator in Arizona

The majority of wildlife species you will encounter in Arizona require a licensed professional for any removal or relocation. Knowing when to call a pro is not just a matter of convenience — in many situations, it is a legal requirement.

What a Wildlife Service License Covers

Businesses that hold a Wildlife Service License from the Arizona Game and Fish Department can remove and relocate nuisance wildlife or give advice to resolve conflicts with wildlife for a fee. These licensees operate under AZGFD oversight and are authorized to handle species that private citizens cannot legally touch without a permit.

Wildlife Service companies are licensed to remove specific species, so it is best to make sure that you hire a company licensed for your type of wildlife problem. A company licensed for raccoon removal may not be authorized to handle bats or big game, so confirming the scope of a contractor’s license before hiring is a critical step.

Situations That Require a Licensed Operator

You should contact a licensed wildlife control operator any time the situation involves:

• Raccoons, skunks, or opossums inside a structure
• Bat colonies roosting in an attic or walls
• Big game animals (javelinas, black bears, mountain lions) on your property
• Protected reptiles such as the Gila monster or desert tortoise
• Any bird species that may fall under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
• Any situation where you are unsure of the species involved

Pro Tip: The AZGFD maintains an updated list of licensed wildlife control businesses on its website at azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/wildlife-control-businesses/. You can search by region — Mesa, Kingman, and Tucson areas are all listed separately.

Livestock Operators: A Special Exception

Arizona law provides a narrow exception for livestock operators dealing with bears or mountain lions that are actively preying on livestock. A license or tag is not required for the taking of a bear or mountain lion under this section, but within ten days after the taking, the livestock operator shall file a written report with the department. The location of the take, identity of the livestock operator filing the report, and location and date of livestock depredation are not public information. This exception is strictly limited to active depredation situations and does not apply to general nuisance complaints.

If you are dealing with nuisance wildlife in another state, you may also want to review wildlife removal laws in Georgia, wildlife removal laws in Tennessee, or wildlife removal laws in New York for state-specific guidance.

Penalties for Violating Nuisance Wildlife Laws in Arizona

Violations of wildlife laws can lead to significant penalties and repercussions for individuals found guilty of breaking these regulations. In Arizona, fines and penalties for violating wildlife laws can vary depending on the severity of the offense. For example, individuals caught illegally hunting or trapping protected species may face fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. In some cases, violators may also be required to appear in court and could potentially face jail time.

Criminal Penalties Under ARS Title 17

Unless a different or other penalty or punishment is specifically prescribed, a person who violates any provision of this title, or who violates or fails to comply with a lawful order or rule of the commission, is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. A class 2 misdemeanor in Arizona can result in up to four months in jail and fines up to $750, in addition to surcharges.

More serious violations carry elevated classifications. Taking wildlife by using a weapon, device, ammunition, or magazine that is not authorized to take wildlife is a class 1 misdemeanor. Class 1 misdemeanors carry potential jail time of up to six months and higher fines.

Civil Penalties

Beyond criminal charges, Arizona law authorizes the Game and Fish Commission to impose civil penalties for illegal taking or possession of wildlife. The commission may impose a civil penalty against any person unlawfully taking, wounding or killing, or unlawfully in possession of, certain categories of wildlife — including a minimum of $8,000 for each trophy or endangered species animal.

Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, probation, community service, and forfeiture of hunting or fishing equipment. Equipment forfeiture is a particularly significant consequence for anyone using traps, firearms, or other devices in connection with an unlawful take.

Loss of Hunting and Wildlife Privileges

A person against whom the commission imposes a civil penalty under section 17-314 for the unlawful taking, wounding, killing, or possession of wildlife may be denied the right to obtain a license to take wildlife until the person pays the civil penalty in full. This means that a single violation can result in the suspension of all hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges in Arizona until financial penalties are resolved.

Feeding Wildlife Violations

ARS 13-2927 is a petty offense that can result in a fine of up to $300 for feeding wildlife. You may also be cited with ARS 13-2908 (Criminal Nuisance), which can result in an additional fine of up to $500. In Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties, these fines apply to anyone who intentionally feeds or attracts wildlife other than birds and tree squirrels.

Violation Type	Classification	Potential Penalty
General wildlife law violation	Class 2 misdemeanor	Up to 4 months jail, fines up to $750
Unlawful weapon/device used to take wildlife	Class 1 misdemeanor	Up to 6 months jail, higher fines
Unlawful take of trophy or endangered species	Civil penalty	Minimum $8,000 per animal
Feeding wildlife (Maricopa, Pima, Pinal counties)	Petty offense + possible criminal nuisance	Up to $300 (ARS 13-2927) + up to $500 (ARS 13-2908)
Unpaid civil penalty	Administrative action	Denial of all wildlife licenses until paid

Important Note: Penalties stack. A single incident of illegally trapping and relocating a protected species without a permit could result in criminal charges, civil fines, equipment forfeiture, and suspension of your hunting and fishing privileges simultaneously.

Arizona’s nuisance wildlife laws exist to protect both residents and the state’s remarkable biodiversity. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has oversight over more than 800 species of wildlife across the state — a responsibility that requires clear, enforceable rules. As a property owner, your best protection is knowing those rules before a conflict arises, not after. When in doubt, call the AZGFD, consult a licensed wildlife control operator, and resist the urge to handle the situation yourself without guidance.

For related Arizona animal law topics, you may also find these resources helpful: roadkill laws in Arizona, pit bull laws in Arizona, and backyard pig laws in Arizona.