SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is reminding the public to be aware of increased bear activity while enjoying the outdoors this summer.
Officers across the state are seeing an increase in bear activity, including reports of bears entering urban areas and visiting campsites. This pattern is part of a broader uptick in sightings throughout New Mexico, with reports emerging from communities including Jordan Hot Springs, Capitan, and other nearby areas. Seasonal food availability continues to play a major role in bear movement.
"Bears move around the landscape searching for food," said assistant chief of wildlife, Elise Goldstein. "At this time of year, the initial spring green-up has passed, but fruit and mast crops such as acorns and piñon nuts are not yet ripe. As summer progresses, these food sources improve and the amount of natural forage helps keep bear populations in balance with what the ecosystem can support. When drought conditions limit food resources, bears may have trouble finding food drawing them to urban areas. Pet food, bird seed, fruit, barbecue grills and garbage lure bears out of their natural habitat and into neighborhoods and campsites."
"Oftentimes bears show up in neighborhoods and campsites because they're following food smells," Conservation Officer Alyssa Flores said. "If folks secure their trash, clean their campsites, and never approach a bear, it helps keep everyone safe, including the bears."
Bear awareness will help keep both bears and the public safe.
The Department recommends the following steps to avoid human‑bear conflicts:
Never feed or approach bears. Feeding—intentional or not—teaches bears to seek food near homes and people.
Secure food, garbage and recycling. Unsecured trash is the leading cause of human‑bear conflicts.
Clean and store grills.
After using an outdoor grill, remove all grease and store grills and smokers in a secure location.
If you see a bear, do not run. Make yourself appear large, use a strong voice to make noise, wave your arms and back away slowly. Never position yourself between a mother bear and her cubs. If attacked, fight back aggressively. Bears typically avoid humans unless provoked or attracted by food sources such as garbage or food scraps.
More safety tips for those living or recreating in bear country are available in the Department's brochure, "Keeping Bears Alive and Yourself Safe," accessible on the Department's website and at NMDOW offices statewide.
The public should contact their local Department of Wildlife conservation officer if they encounter a nuisance bear on their property.
