Who made the mound?
Pocket gophers push up fan- or crescent-shaped mounds with a plugged hole. Voles leave surface runways and small open holes. Prairie dogs dig colonies of burrows ringed by bare dirt. Rock squirrels dig open burrows near rocks, walls and foundations.
Plague awareness
The NM Department of Health reports that plague circulates among wild rodents in New Mexico, including prairie dogs, rock squirrels and woodrats, mostly through fleas. Keep pets on flea control, don't handle sick or dead rodents, and report unusual die-offs to NMDOH.
Protected and regulated species
Some prairie dog species have special conservation status, and wildlife rules apply. We don't remove protected species. We can help protect your structures with foundation mesh and exclusion, and we'll point you to NMDOW for anything else.
Frequently asked questions
Do you remove prairie dogs?
No. We don't remove protected or specially regulated species. Contact NMDOW for guidance.
Can you keep burrowing animals away from my foundation?
Yes. We install buried mesh barriers to protect slabs, patios and foundations from burrowing animals.
Are prairie dogs dangerous?
They can carry fleas that transmit plague. Admire them from a distance and follow NMDOH guidance.
Sources
This page is general information, not medical, legal or regulatory advice. For health concerns, contact a healthcare provider or the NM Department of Health. For wildlife regulations, contact NM Game & Fish (NMDOW). Last reviewed Oct 2026.
