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Invasive and nonnative animals in New Mexico

Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.

On this page
  1. BISON-M Species Booklet 030022: Mediterranean Gecko
  2. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Reptiles species list for New Mexico
  3. BISON-M Species Booklet 020005: Bullfrog
  4. New World Screwworm
  5. Aquatic Invasive Species
  6. USGS established records
  7. How to report
  8. Sources

5 nonnative animals are named on 5 official lists for New Mexico: “BISON-M Species Booklet 030022: Mediterranean Gecko” (BISON-M), “USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Reptiles species list for New Mexico” (US Geological Survey), “BISON-M Species Booklet 020005: Bullfrog” (BISON-M), “New World Screwworm” (New Mexico Department of Wildlife) and “Aquatic Invasive Species” (New Mexico Department of Wildlife).

The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database records an established population in New Mexico for 1 nonnative animal in the groups this guide covers.

To report a sighting, see how to report.

Being on a list of nonnative species does not always mean an animal is harmful or established: each list below is described in its source's terms. A sighting of a listed animal is still worth reporting to the agency.

BISON-M Species Booklet 030022: Mediterranean Gecko

New Mexico Department of Wildlife (BISON-M), updated August 9, 2023. 1 animal.

USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Reptiles species list for New Mexico

U.S. Geological Survey, database queried November 3, 2026. 1 animal.

BISON-M Species Booklet 020005: Bullfrog

New Mexico Department of Wildlife (BISON-M), updated May 22, 2024. 1 animal.

New World Screwworm

New Mexico Department of Wildlife (formerly New Mexico Department of Game and Fish), page modified 2026-06-09. 1 animal.

Aquatic Invasive Species

New Mexico Department of Wildlife (formerly New Mexico Department of Game and Fish), page modified 2026-06-02. 1 animal.

  • Zebra and quagga mussels

Established in New Mexico, per USGS records

The U.S. Geological Survey's Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database tracks nonnative aquatic animals. These have at least one record with the status "established" in New Mexico, which USGS defines as a population showing evidence of reproduction and overwinter survival.

AnimalGroupFirst recordLatest recordCounties
Nutria Myocastor coypusMammals193720204

Source: U.S. Geological Survey. [2026]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [11/3/2026]. "Native Transplant" animals are native elsewhere in the US but not in New Mexico.

How to report a sighting in New Mexico

Dangerous wildlife encounter: contact the nearest NMDOW conservation officer (Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; enforcement contacts map at https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/enforcement/law-enforcement-contact-information/), otherwise State Police dispatch. Suspected New World screwworm in game animals: NMDOW 888-248-6866. New Mexico Department of Wildlife

Do not try to catch or handle the animal. A photo taken from a safe distance, the place and the date help the agency.

Sources

  1. BISON-M Species Booklet 030022: Mediterranean Gecko. New Mexico Department of Wildlife (BISON-M). updated August 9, 2023; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “2017:Isolated populations have become established through intentional or accidental introductions in at least four New Mexico cities”
  2. BISON-M Species Booklet 020005: Bullfrog. New Mexico Department of Wildlife (BISON-M). updated May 22, 2024; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “Evidence suggest this species was introduced into New Mexico west of the Continental Divide and was native east of the Continental Divide”
  3. New World Screwworm. New Mexico Department of Wildlife (formerly New Mexico Department of Game and Fish). page modified 2026-06-09; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “This pest was eradicated from the U.S. decades ago, but recent detections in Mexico, south Texas and New Mexico pose a risk of northward spread.”
  4. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Reptiles species list for New Mexico. U.S. Geological Survey. database queried November 3, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
  5. Aquatic Invasive Species. New Mexico Department of Wildlife (formerly New Mexico Department of Game and Fish). page modified 2026-06-02; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has adopted new rules to combat the spread of zebra mussels, quagga mussels and other AIS.”
  6. Living With Wildlife. New Mexico Department of Wildlife (formerly New Mexico Department of Game and Fish). page modified 2026-10-26; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “In the event of a dangerous encounter, please reach out to your nearest Department conservation officer during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.).”
  7. U.S. Geological Survey. [2026]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [11/3/2026].