Silver City, NM, September 17, 2018—For Immediate Release.  The Gila National Forest receives dozens of phone calls every day, and one of the most commonly asked questions is: “Are dogs allowed in the forest and on forest trails.”

The short answer is “Yes”, but the long answer can be more complex. The employees of the Gila National Forest want you and your furry family member to have a safe and enjoyable experience on forest.  Some recommendations to help keep you and your pet safe:

Dogs must be on leash in developed recreation areas, trailheads, and parking lots (36 CFR 261.8d).  There are still times when it is best to keep your dog on a leash.

o   Other visitors to the forest may be afraid of dogs.

o   Horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking all occur on the same trail system.

o   When a loose pet chases a squirrel or raccoon, the wild animals’ ability to survive is threatened, and it may react aggressively.

o   There is a possibility that your pet could become prey for bear, coyote, owl, or other predators. Your furry friend could also get bitten by a snake.

Don’t leave your pet’s food out while camping. Bears love dog food.Bring water for your dog to drink. Giardia can be found in native streams and waterways.Pick up your dog’s waste. It can spread disease to wild animals and contaminate the water. Also, it’s just common courtesy to other campers, picnickers or hikers.Losing your dog in your neighborhood can be traumatic, imagine losing your pet in an area that is 3.3 million acres. Keep Fido Safe!!!

Forest Supervisor, Adam Mendonca wishes to remind all visitors to the Gila National Forest that “our primary goal is to keep you and your pet safe.”

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila.