Visitors reminded to keep their distance and pack out trash
SILVER CITY, NM, June 26, 2024 We have a human problem at the Gomez Peak and Little Walnut picnic areas, and bears will pay the price. Black bears have been hanging around recently at the Little Walnut and Gomez Peak picnic areas off of Little Walnut Road at the north end of Silver City, attracted by the uncontained trash left behind by forest visitors.
"I can understand the desire to get a photo of a bear in the woods, but visitors have been approaching bears a bit too closely for their personal safety," said Silver City District Ranger Elizabeth Toney. "Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don't risk your safety and theirs in your quest to get a picture."
The Gila National Forest provides bear-resistant trash receptacles at the Little Walnut and Gomez Peak picnic areas, and we empty them frequently. However, since staff are not always present to know when the trash cans have filled, it is the visitor's responsibility to pack your trash out with you if the trash cans are full. Waste left piled next to trash receptacles is being accessed by bears, putting public safety at risk. Bears that learn to associate humans with food can lose their fear of humans, becoming aggressive and dangerous toward people.
To learn more about how to keep bears alive and yourself safe when you encounter them visit Keeping-Bears-Alive-and-You-Safe.pdf (state.nm.us). For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 orÂ
