Illegal fishing and dead animals reported at nature preserve ponds near Tingley Beach

Yahoo

11-06-2025

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Illegal fishing, dead turtles and geese, those are just some of the problems at nature preserve ponds near Tingley Beach. 'I noticed in 2022, it was in the Spring and Summer that there was a lot of people fishing,' said one Albuquerque resident.
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Just a few feet off Paseo del Bosque trail near Tingley Beach sit two wildlife ponds filled with fish, turtles, and the few passing geese, but one woman said the area is anything but serene. 'I feel a little scared there's people taking the city-owned animals instead of paying for a license to fish at Tingley Beach; they are just taking advantage cause there is no one here,' said the woman.
The woman is choosing to remain anonymous due to the fact that she commonly walks the trail. She said for the past three years she's seen people fishing in the ponds, and when she approaches them, 'Well, whatever, if they're not here to get me, I'm going to keep doing it. That was the response or aggression,' said the woman.
At the entrance of each pond, multiple signs display rules for the area. The very end clearly states no fishing. 'I've seen a butchered turtle, the insides were gone, there was feet left, but it was pretty gory. I've seen the carcasses of ducks that were cut up or geese, no body left, just the wing,' she said.
She said it's not just a homeless problem. 'I've seen all types, I've seen people that park at Tingley Beach with vehicles they come over with not just one fishing rod, they have a whole tackle box. There's all sorts of people,' said the woman.
She's reported what she's seen to the city and the Albuquerque Police Department's Open Space Unit, with little luck.
The City's Open Space Division said they are looking for volunteers to help patrol the area, but with the lack of oversight, she's concerned not only for the animals in the ponds but people too. 'If you are out here by yourself, there is no one cause there's no real patrol, there's no security here,' she said.
Emily Moore, a spokesperson for the city's Parks and Recreation Department, said:
Protecting open space is a priority and a collaboration between multiple departments to monitor, steward, and enforce the rules. These are the places our families enjoy, where our community connects, and where the beauty of Albuquerque shines. If you see any damage or wrongdoing, please report it right away so we can keep these spaces safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.
Emily Moore, City of Albuquerque's Parks and Recreation Department
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