Bernalillo County, NM Animal Ordinances: Coyote Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Coyotes as pets
- Prohibited county-wide
- Hybrid permit
- Required annually
- Enclosure minimum
- 400 sq. ft. for two
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated Bernalillo County bars owning, harboring, or exhibiting a coyote as a wild animal; wolf-coyote hybrids require an annual permit, spay/neuter proof, and county inspection access.
It shall be unlawful for a person to own, harbor, keep or exhibit on any private or public property in the county any wild animal of a species that in its natural life is dangerous or ferocious. Such animals, though they may be trained and domesticated, remain a danger to others, and include:(1)Wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, and other members of the non-domestic canine families.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 6-68 makes it unlawful to own, harbor, keep, or exhibit a coyote (or wolf) on any property in unincorporated Bernalillo County, treating them as dangerous wild animals regardless of domestication, with exceptions only for zoos, vets, and state/federally permitted holders. Section 6-69 separately bars selling coyote-cross "hybrids" and requires anyone possessing one to hold a canine hybrid permit, provide vet-certified sterilization for animals over six months, keep at least 400 sq. ft. of secure enclosure, and allow animal care services to inspect the premises. The code has no cull, hazing, or wildlife-feeding provisions for coyotes.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful wild-animal possession or an unpermitted hybrid is enforced by Animal Care Services; permits can be suspended or revoked for noncompliance under § 6-71, and general chapter penalties apply under § 6-70.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a coyote as a pet in Bernalillo County?
What if my dog is part coyote?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
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