Lakewood is home to many species of native wildlife. In most situations, people and wildlife can coexist without incident, and most wild animals are harmless if left alone.
Feeding wildlife draws animals close to residences and pets. Leaving any food source outdoors, available to wildlife, is not recommended. The feeding of wildlife (other than birds or squirrels) is not permitted in Lakewood.
More Info: Keep Pests Away
It is easier to prevent a problem than it is to find a solution after the wildlife have moved into your home or nearby. For more information on wildlife living in Lakewood and Colorado, visit
Colorado Division of Wildlife.
If a wild animal is currently living in a part of your property or has bitten a person or pet, contact Animal Control immediately. Do not dispose of any dead wild animal that has bitten a pet or a human before contacting Animal Control.
Disposal of deceased wildlife on private property is the responsibility of the property owner.
Colorado Environmental Health recommends the following procedure when disposing of dead animals.
- Do not pick up or touch dead animals with your bare hands.
- Place a plastic bag on the ground.
- Place the animal in the plastic bag.
- Tie a knot in the bag,
- Dispose of the bag in an outdoor trash container.
Animal Control does not trap, kill or relocate nuisance wildlife, but will assist with wildlife issues if possible. We encourage you to contact a private pest control contractor for these services. One website that provides humane solutions to wildlife problems is
Urban Wildlife Rescue.
Contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife at
303-291-7227, or Lakewood Animal Control at
303-987-7173 for information about deterring nuisance wildlife.
Deceased wildlife observed in the street can be reported to the dead animal pickup line at 303-987-7960.
Deceased domesticated animals observed in the street can be reported for pickup by calling 303-980-7300.