Wildlife Removal Laws in Colorado: What Homeowners and Landowners Need to Know

Colorado is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife — from black bears and mountain lions in the foothills to raccoons, squirrels, and skunks in suburban backyards. When animals start causing damage to your property, the instinct to remove them is understandable. But acting without knowing the rules can land you in serious legal trouble.

Wildlife removal laws in Colorado are governed primarily by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and enforced under the Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 33. Whether you’re dealing with a nuisance squirrel in your attic or a bear raiding your trash, knowing what you can and cannot do legally is the first step toward solving the problem the right way.

Can You Remove Wildlife Yourself in Colorado

The short answer is: sometimes, but within strict limits. It is your responsibility to determine whether it is legal to use a particular method of take in your city or county. CPW does not require nor request the removal of wildlife deemed a nuisance — the determination that a species has become a nuisance and should be removed is the prerogative of the landowner. That means the state will not step in to remove problem animals for you, but it also will not give you a blank check to handle them however you see fit.

CPW’s nuisance wildlife guidelines are paraphrased summaries intended only as a guide. Colorado’s wildlife statutes and regulations can be viewed in their entirety at CPW offices or online. Keep in mind that these laws note what is restricted by state statutes and permitted by CPW regulations; however, local laws and ordinances may be more specific about what is allowed at a certain location. It is your responsibility to determine whether it is legal to use a particular method of take in your city or county.

In practical terms, you can take limited action on your own property against certain nuisance species — but the moment you step outside those narrow boundaries, you risk criminal penalties. Always verify both state and local rules before taking any action.

Pro Tip: Before attempting any removal, contact your local CPW office or visit cpw.state.co.us to confirm the current rules for your specific species and location. Local ordinances can be stricter than state law.

Which Animals Can Be Removed Without a Permit in Colorado

Colorado distinguishes between species that landowners can handle on their own and those that require professional or permitted intervention. A handful of common nuisance animals fall into the self-help category, but the list is shorter than most people expect.

Without a permit, landowners or their agents can hunt, trap, or take certain species on private property experiencing damage. The species generally covered under this provision include tree squirrels, cottontail rabbits, raccoons, and certain rodents such as pocket gophers and prairie dogs when they are causing damage on private property.

Some toxicants are legal for Richardson’s ground squirrel, rock squirrel, thirteen-lined ground squirrel, pocket gopher, marmots, black-tailed, white-tailed, and Gunnison prairie dogs when causing damage on private property. Most rats and mice also fall under this category. Some poisons are available over the counter. You must follow label instructions. Poisons may only be used for species indicated on the box, and application directions must be followed in order for poison to be lawful. Regardless of whether a poison or toxicant is legal by statute, it is your responsibility to check with local authorities about restrictions on specific poisons and toxicants at your location.

Body grip devices and traps can be used for mice (except Preble’s meadow jumping mouse), rats, and birds without a permit. For all other species, a permit or license is generally required before you can trap or take the animal.

Important Note: CPW does not manage domestic species of ducks, geese, rats, mice, European ferrets, pigeons, guinea fowl, or peafowl. Check with your county or city’s municipal code for restrictions on domestic animals.

Which Animals Require a Licensed Wildlife Removal Professional in Colorado

Many of Colorado’s most iconic — and most problematic — species are strictly off-limits for DIY removal. These animals require either a CPW permit, a licensed wildlife control operator, or both before any removal action can be taken.

Big game species such as black bears, mountain lions, elk, and deer are fully protected under state law. It is unlawful for any person to hunt, take, or have in such person’s possession any wildlife that is the property of the state, except as permitted by articles 1 to 6 of Title 33 or by rule or regulation of the commission. This means you cannot trap, shoot, or relocate these animals without explicit authorization from CPW.

Migratory birds — including Canada geese, songbirds, and raptors — are protected under both state law and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Any activities that result in handling, damage, or destruction of geese, or their eggs or nests, require permits. Individuals can register online to obtain a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to destroy eggs and nests of breeding Canada geese on their property.

Federally protected birds of prey, such as bald eagles and golden eagles, carry the highest level of protection. For each bison, bald eagle, golden eagle, rocky mountain goat, desert bighorn sheep, American peregrine falcon, or rocky mountain bighorn sheep, a fine of not less than one thousand dollars and not more than one hundred thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than one year in the county jail, or both fine and imprisonment, and an assessment of twenty points may be assessed.

Furbearers such as beavers, foxes, and coyotes also require proper licensing or permits for any trapping or lethal control. No other live wildlife can be taken from the wild and held in captivity unless you are authorized or licensed by CPW. If you find injured or orphaned wildlife of any protected species, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation organization rather than attempting to handle the animal yourself.

Trapping Rules and Legal Methods in Colorado

Colorado has some of the most specific trapping regulations in the country, shaped significantly by a 1996 ballot initiative. Understanding what traps are legal — and under what circumstances — is essential before you set anything on your property.

In November 1996, Amendment 14 was passed by ballot initiative. This banned the use of traps such as snares, Conibears, and leghold traps for the recreational take of wildlife. For most homeowners and landowners dealing with nuisance animals, this means your trapping toolkit is limited to live cage or box traps.

• If trapping, the only types of traps that may be used are live cage or box traps for general nuisance control.
• You can use body-gripping or death traps for mice and rats without a permit.
• Landowners, and others authorized by statute, may be eligible for a 30-day trapping permit where certain body-gripping or death traps can be used in order to protect commercial livestock and/or commercial crop production.
• If using firearms, check with your local authorities on the laws that apply to discharging a firearm.

Trap monitoring is not optional — it is a legal requirement. Small game (except game birds), game reptiles, and furbearers may be trapped day or night. All live traps must be visually checked at least once every day. For landowners trapping under a 30-day exemption, trap check requirements may vary — refer to Wildlife Regulations Chapter 17.

Common Mistake: Many Colorado residents assume they can use any trap available at a hardware store. Snap traps and glue boards for rodents are generally acceptable, but using snares, Conibears, or foothold traps for squirrels, raccoons, or other wildlife without a special permit is illegal under Amendment 14.

If you are uncertain about which trapping methods apply to your situation, Colorado’s broader wildlife statutes provide additional context on how the state regulates the taking of animals. You can also reach CPW directly at (303) 297-1192 for guidance specific to your county.

Can You Relocate Wildlife in Colorado

Relocating wildlife sounds like the humane solution, and in some cases it is — but Colorado law places firm limits on when and how you can move an animal from one location to another. The rules vary significantly by species.

Three species can be relocated without a CPW relocation permit, provided you follow specific conditions:

1. Tree squirrels — may be relocated up to 10 miles from the capture site.
2. Cottontail rabbits — may be relocated up to 10 miles from the capture site.
3. Raccoons — can be relocated up to two miles away from the capture site. You must notify Colorado Parks and Wildlife in advance and secure permission from the landowner or managing agency where the animal will be released ahead of time. Relocation sites must be appropriate habitats for the species.

For every other species, a permit is required. To relocate all other species, you must obtain a Relocation Permit from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Attempting to move a fox, skunk, beaver, or any other animal to a new location without that permit is a violation of state law.

There is also a critical rule that applies regardless of species: small game and furbearers captured in live traps cannot be moved from the capture site and must be killed or released on site when the trap is checked — unless the animal falls into one of the permitted relocation categories above.

Key Insight: Even for the three species you can relocate without a permit, you still need to notify CPW in advance, get landowner permission at the release site, and ensure the habitat is appropriate. Skipping any of these steps makes the relocation illegal.

If you are dealing with Canada geese or other migratory birds, relocation is governed by federal law in addition to state rules. A federal permit is required before any lethal control methods can be employed. In addition to the federal permit, citizens must inform the local Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer when, where, and the type of lethal control that will be used.

Hiring a Licensed Wildlife Control Operator in Colorado

When the animal in question falls outside what you can legally handle on your own, hiring a licensed wildlife control operator (NWCO or WCO) is the right move. These professionals are trained and authorized to handle species and situations that are off-limits to the general public.

Wildlife control operators should have the proper state agency licenses and permits, and be fully insured — including personal and property liability insurance, as well as worker’s compensation. Before hiring anyone, ask to see their CPW authorization and verify that their insurance is current.

A qualified operator will follow a structured process that aligns with Colorado law. Wildlife control operators must provide services in an efficient and humane manner with urgent concern for domestic and wild animals. Wildlife will be translocated to suitable habitat, released on site, or euthanized according to state laws — except that sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals will be transported to licensed rehabilitation centers, animal shelters, veterinarians, or destroyed as deemed necessary and appropriate. Euthanasia must be performed to American Veterinary Medical Association standards.

Here is what to look for when evaluating a wildlife control company in Colorado:

• Valid CPW permits or licenses for the species they will handle
• General liability and workers’ compensation insurance
• Familiarity with Amendment 14 trap restrictions
• Clear explanation of what will happen to the animal after removal
• Written estimate before work begins
• References or reviews from previous clients in your area

For conflicts involving bears or mountain lions, CPW itself may respond in some cases — particularly when there is an immediate threat to human safety. For less urgent nuisance situations involving protected species, a licensed operator is your primary resource. You can also consult organizations focused on wildlife advocacy and conflict resolution for guidance on non-lethal deterrents before removal becomes necessary.

Pro Tip: Many wildlife conflicts can be resolved without removal at all. There are many non-lethal methods for discouraging the presence of wildlife. Exclusion, habitat modification, and deterrents are often more effective long-term solutions than trapping and removal.

If you are unsure whether a situation requires professional intervention, consider the broader context of animal ownership and control laws that apply across the country, which can help you understand how Colorado’s rules compare to neighboring states.

Penalties for Illegal Wildlife Removal in Colorado

Colorado takes wildlife violations seriously, and the penalties reflect that. Depending on the species involved and the nature of the violation, consequences can range from modest fines to criminal misdemeanor charges and permanent loss of hunting and fishing privileges.

Colorado law prohibits the taking, hunting, or possession of animals deemed property of the state or wildlife taken in violation of state, federal, or non-U.S. law, resulting in a misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and fines. The specific penalty depends heavily on which species was illegally taken or possessed.

Species Category	Criminal Fine	Civil Restitution (Minimum)	License Points
Endangered or threatened species	$2,000 – $100,000	$1,000+	20 points
Bald eagle, golden eagle, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, peregrine falcon	$1,000 – $100,000	$1,000+	20 points
Elk, bear, moose, mountain lion	$1,000	$500 – $700	15 points
Pronghorn, deer	$700	$500	15 points
Raptors, wild turkey	Varies	$200	Varies
Nongame or small game species	$50 (first animal)	$100	5 points
Nonnative or exotic wildlife (illegal possession)	$250 – $1,000	Varies	5–10 points

Sources: For each animal listed as endangered or threatened pursuant to section 33-2-105 or the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, a fine of not less than two thousand dollars and not more than one hundred thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than one year in the county jail, or by both fine and imprisonment, and an assessment of twenty points. Upon conviction, the commission may suspend any or all wildlife license privileges for a period of from one year to life.

For each elk, bear, moose, or mountain lion, a fine of one thousand dollars and an assessment of fifteen points applies under C.R.S. § 33-6-109.

Trophy animals carry additional financial penalties on top of the base fines. In addition to the criminal penalties, there may be assessed a further penalty: for each bull elk with at least six points on one antler beam, ten thousand dollars; for each mule deer buck with an inside antler spread of at least twenty-two inches, ten thousand dollars; for each whitetail deer buck with an inside antler spread of at least eighteen inches, ten thousand dollars.

Beyond fines, any wildlife killed shall remain the property of the state, and such killing shall be reported to the division within five days. Failing to report a killing — even one that was legally justified — is itself a violation. License suspension is also a real consequence. For the most serious violations involving eagles, bighorn sheep, and similar species, upon conviction the commission may suspend any or all wildlife license privileges of the person for a period of one year to life.

Important Note: Any person who illegally possesses nonnative or exotic wildlife is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars. In addition, such person shall be assessed ten suspension points per incident for possessing an animal on the prohibited species list and five suspension points per incident for possessing any other nonnative or exotic wildlife species.

If you are also navigating related animal regulations in Colorado, it is worth reviewing Colorado’s dog leash laws, backyard chicken regulations, and hedgehog ownership rules to get a full picture of how the state manages human-animal interactions. For those in neighboring states, similar frameworks exist — you can compare approaches by looking at Arizona or California animal control laws.

Wildlife removal laws in Colorado exist to protect both residents and the animals themselves. Before taking any action — trapping, relocating, or calling a professional — confirm the rules for your specific situation with CPW or a licensed wildlife control operator. Acting within the law protects you from penalties and ensures that Colorado’s wildlife continues to thrive alongside its human neighbors. For a deeper look at wildlife protection efforts, the Wildlife Conservation Society and African Wildlife Foundation offer broader context on conservation principles that inform many of these state-level policies.