Large Predator Awareness - A special edition of New Mexico Wildlife Monthly Update

Special Edition Banner

May 2020

Stay safe, stay aware

Every year, the Department receives hundreds of calls regarding bears and other wildlife that have come a little too close for comfort. Far too often our conservation officers find situations where people could have prevented such incidents by taking some simple steps to ensure bears stay away:

  • Do not leave pet food or food dishes out at night and feed pets indoors when possible. 
  • Keep garbage in airtight containers inside your garage or storage area, until the day of pick up.
  • Pick up fruit left on the ground from fruit trees. Rotting fruit is a huge attractant.
  • If you have a bear on your property or near your house, keep a safe distance. Bears can run faster than you think. Sows (female bears) with cubs can be very protective; don’t ever get between a sow and her cubs.
  • Keep your grills clean of grease; don’t leave them outside.
  • Don’t let bears get comfortable coming around your house. Especially if they are not just “passing through.” Make a loud noise to keep them moving if they are sniffing around your property.

The Department again cautions New Mexicans to stay bear aware. We hope this newsletter offers you some useful information about bears and what we can all do to ensure both people and bears are out of harm’s way. Please do not hesitate to contact your local law enforcement for immediate assistance.


Colonel Robert Griego
Field Operations
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

bear aware video

Protect yourself and bears by removing potential food sources

Human nature can lead us to believe that when we feed wild animals we are helping them. In reality we are causing them more harm than good. In the natural world, bears are very good at finding food sources on their own that help them maintain a balanced diet, without becoming habituated to people and residential environments. Read more...


living

Living with Large Predators

In New Mexico, cougars, black bears, bobcats and coyotes are found throughout the state. These large predators have lived here much longer than humans and play an important role, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem. If you live near, or enjoy, the habitats used by these predators, it is wise to learn about their behaviors to better avoid danger and safely coexist.

 Learn more here


rickW

Q&A: Living with bears

Bears are not there to bother you and get into your house, explains Department bear and cougar biologist Rick Winslow. Read more HERE.


bear

To report nuisance wildlife, call us!


Please do not hesitate to contact your local law enforcement officer or Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-4263 for immediate assistance.

CLICK HERE to learn more about living in, and visiting, bear country.