BLACK BEARS ARE ON THE MOVE AROUND LOS ALAMOS
LOS ALAMOS -- Department of Game and Fish officers have already trapped and relocated four bears and continue to respond to many reports of bears running around the Los Alamos community.
With very little spring moisture, the bears are moving down into the foothills and bordering communities of Los Alamos in search of food. Often, young bears away from their mothers for the first time are looking for a new territory as well as food.
The Department is asking people who live in the Los Alamos area to practice a few things to help minimize bear encounters:
- Keep garbage in airtight containers in a closed sturdy shed or garage. Place garbage outside the morning of pickup, not the night before.
- Remove bird feeders and other food and water sources.
- Don’t leave pet food or food dishes outdoors at night.
- Never intentionally feed the bears for viewing purposes.
- Spoiled fruit that falls to the ground should be removed to avoid attracting bears.
- Keep barbecues clean and store them in a closed, sturdy shed or garage.
A person can be cited and fined up to $500 for intentionally or unintentionally feeding bears, if that bear becomes a nuisance. In many cases, bears that become a nuisance have to be killed because they have become habituated and show no fear of humans.
For more information on how to behave when encountering bears or other wild animals, go to the Department of Game and Fish Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us or contact the Department at (505) 476-8000.
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