Living with Wildlife in Los Alamos County

Published on January 24, 2024

Who do I call to report an issue?

Is it a domestic animal?

Call the Los Alamos Police Department Animal Control at the non-emergency number at 505-662-8222. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Is it a wild animal?

Contact the LA-WR-Española District Officer Ariel Perraglio with questions or concerns at 505-412-8796. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Living with Large Predators...

Large predators in Los Alamos County include mountain lions, black bears, bobcats and coyotes. They can at times be dangerous. However, with a better understanding of these animals, we can learn to coexist. There are no definite rules about what to do if you meet a large predator. In most cases, the animal will detect you first and will leave the area.

Below is information about a variety of wildlife found on the Pajarito Plateau. To learn more about living with wildlife, visit the NM Dept. of Wildlife website at www.lacnm.com/NMGF. For information on how to contact NM Dept. of Wildlife, visit the Contact Us page on their website.

Living with Large Predators

Addressing Local Issues with Wildlife

Living with wildlife means learning how to coexist safely, keeping wildlife wild, and preserving our natural resources. Read about current issues in Los Alamos County and how to manage them.

Black Bears of the Pajarito Plateau

As more people live, recreate and travel where black bears live, the chances of seeing them are rising. Learn more about these beautiful creatures, and find tips and information for how to live with them safely.

Bobcat

Bobcats are around twice the size of the average domestic cat and are fierce predators. Found throughout much of North America, they live in a diverse range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, swamps, deserts, and even roam into suburban areas. Although they are the most common wildcat in North America, these elusive, nocturnal animals are rarely seen by humans.

Coyotes

Late January through early March is the mating season for coyotes and they become more active during this time. Be proactive to prevent conflicts with coyotes with these actionable tips:

Mountain Lion

Mountain lions are usually tawny- to light-cinnamon in color with black-tipped ears and tail. Adult cats can weigh from 80 to 150 pounds and measure eight feet long, with the tail included. Most active from dusk to dawn, lions eat deer; however, they also kill elk, porcupines, small mammals, livestock, and other domestic animals. Historically the mountain lion has occupied all parts of Los Alamos.

Mule Deer

It's a good time to talk about DEER on the Pajarito Plateau! Today, there are perhaps 300,000 mule deer and the less-common white-tailed deer combined in our state. Food, water, and productive cover govern the numbers of deer. Harsh winters may force deer to lower elevations, while mild summers will place them at timberline.

Other Wildlife of the Pajarito Plateau

Wildlife in Los Alamos County today are mule deer, elk, mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and more. With a better understanding of these animals, we can learn to coexist safely.