Arizona is home to an abundance of wildlife. From black tailed prairie dogs to black bears to javelina, raptors and mountain lions, there are a myriad of animals, large and small that inhabit the Grand Canyon State.
Urban sprawl is encroaching on places where these animals have traditionally been free to roam and forage. Droughts have also caused animals to seek out water and readily available food sources in populated areas.
While residents may wish to take nuisance animal incidents into their own hands, it is important to know the rules and regulations that govern wildlife in Arizona.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission (AZGFC) has oversight over more than 800 species of wildlife across the state. The AZGFC “establishes policy for the management, preservation, and harvest of wildlife…and makes rules and regulations for managing, conserving and protecting wildlife and fisheries resources.”1 A few key rules about wildlife in Arizona include the following:
You Can’t Feed the Bears
Feeding of wildlife is unlawful in Arizona. You can’t intentionally, knowingly or recklessly feed, attract or otherwise entice wildlife into an area (with a few exceptions) with a county population of more than two hundred eighty thousand persons. If you live in Maricopa County, with 4.7 million residents, Pima with over a million residents or Pinal County with over 513,000 residents, this law applies.2 Violations can incur fines ranging from $300 to $800.3 Note that tree squirrels and birds are not included in this law and that local and city or county ordinances may also prohibit the feeding of wildlife. Whether it is punishable by law or not, feeding wildlife is a bad idea as they become dependent on humans and lose their natural foraging ability.
You Can’t Hunt without a License and Knowledge of the Rules and Regulations
The AZGFC issues rules and regulations that govern hunting. Each year the Arizona Game and Fish Department publishes a guide to Hunting Regulations which covers the hunting of deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison, fall bear, mountain lion, small game, sandhill crane and other huntable wildlife.4 The guide includes season dates, bag limits, hunt types, open areas, rules, regulations, drawing application details and other requirements for hunting most big game, small game and other wildlife in Arizona.
You Can’t Remove and Relocate Wildlife without a License
The Arizona Game and Fish Department issues Wildlife Service Licenses which allow professional wildlife removal companies to remove and relocate nuisance wildlife. These licensees are listed on the Arizona Game and Fish Department website, click here These businesses can also provide residents with advice to resolve conflicts with wildlife. Wildlife Service companies are licensed to remove specific species, so it is best to make sure that you hire a company licensed for your type of wildlife.
Need Wildlife Removal help in Scottsdale?
If you’re hearing scratching in the walls, finding droppings, or spotting unwanted wildlife around your home, it’s time to call in the pros. Critter Evictors provides reliable wildlife removal services in Scottsdale, Maricopa County and surrounding areas.
We safely identify the animal, remove it humanely, and help prevent it from coming back with proven exclusion solutions. Don’t let a small critter problem turn into costly damage or a health concern. Contact Critter Evictors today to schedule an inspection and get a free estimate.
__________________
1 Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Public Information
Link: https://www.azgfd.com/about-arizona-game-fish/commission-public-information/
2 Arizona Demographics
Link: https://www.arizona-demographics.com/counties_by_population
3 Keep Wildlife Wild! Please Don’t Feed
Link: https://azgfd-portal-wordpress-pantheon.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/04142711/Keep_Wildlife_Wild_Brochure.pdf
4 Arizona Game and Fish Department 2025 – 2026 Arizona Hunting Regulations
Link: https://azgfd-portal-wordpress-pantheon.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/29095657/2025-26-Arizona-Hunting-Regulations_250829.pdf
5 Arizona Game and Fish Department List of Wildlife Control Businesses
Link: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/wildlife-control-businesses/