Law Enforcement

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers have a wide variety of duties and responsibilities. Officers help visitors understand and obey wildlife protection laws. They work closely with state and local government offices to enforce federal, state and refuge hunting regulations that protect migratory birds and other game species from illegal take and preserve legitimate hunting opportunities. Some other duties include patrolling closed areas or wilderness areas, maintaining relationships with neighboring landowners, maintaining refuge boundaries, and participating in refuge public events. 

For injured wildlife, please contact the State of New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Southwest Area Office in Las Cruces at (575) 532-2100 or their State Dispatch number at (505) 827-9376. Unfortunately there are no qualified wildlife rehabilitators or rehabilitation facilities in southwestern New Mexico throughout Dona Ana County or Otero County. El Paso, Texas has private, non-profit rehabilitation facilities in addition to the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Within the State of New Mexico there are licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers in the Silver City area. For contact numbers to a list of these area rehabilitation facilities, please call the refuge office at 575-382-5047, Ext. 100 or 103. Or call 575-312-3324 to speak to one of the refuge staff.  

Please be aware that our refuge staff are unable to assist with any wildlife outside the refuge boundaries. We are unable to go to your residence or business in the area to retrieve any wildlife species. No wildlife, livestock, or domestic animals can released on to the refuge. If you need assistance with any wildlife species at your residence or business, contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Southwest Area Office located in Las Cruces:  

2715 Northrise Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88011 
Phone: (575) 532-2100