08/21/2026
A bear in your neighborhood isn't just passing through. It's looking for food.
This year, drought and extreme heat have reduced natural food sources across New Mexico, leading to increased bear activity in communities statewide. Once bears find food around homes, they're likely to return, creating risks for both people and wildlife.
You can help prevent conflicts by:
✔️ Securing trash and scented items
✔️ Removing fallen fruit and pet food
✔️ Taking down bird feeders
✔️ Eliminating other food attractants around your property
If you encounter a bear, remain calm, do not run, and slowly back away while giving it space to leave.
Protecting New Mexico's communities and wildlife starts with all of us. Learn more at wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/living-with-wildlife.
