Signs
Heavy thumping in the attic at night, torn roof vents or soffits, damaged chimney flues, and latrines (piles of droppings in one spot).
Prevention tips from NM Game & Fish
NMDOW's guidance: don't feed raccoons, keep pet food indoors, secure garbage, cover ornamental ponds with mesh, and seal openings under homes and decks, but only after making sure no animals are inside. Chimneys should be capped.
Protected status
Raccoons are classified as protected furbearers in New Mexico, and NMDOW asks landowners to contact the department before taking any control action. Our approach is humane exclusion only: one-way doors, hand removal of young when needed so they can be reunited with the mother, and sealing every entry point.
Health
Raccoons are one of the wildlife species the CDC lists as commonly reported with rabies. Avoid contact, and don't handle droppings with bare hands.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get raccoons out without harming them?
We install one-way doors so raccoons leave on their own, check for young before sealing, and then close every entry point. For questions about the rules, contact NMDOW.
How do raccoons get into attics?
Usually through roof vents, soffits, roof returns and uncapped chimneys. They can rip open weak materials.
Does the city remove raccoons?
The City of Albuquerque, for example, doesn't remove raccoons. It refers residents to NMDOW or private wildlife specialists.
Sources
- NM Dept. of Game & Fish (NMDOW): Publications, incl. Living with Raccoons in Urban Areas
- NM Dept. of Game & Fish (NMDOW): Living With Wildlife
- CDC: Rabies in the United States
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.
