NMDGF Conservation News
The latest conservation news and press releases from New Mexico Game and Fish. Department-wide news can be found under Home → NMDGF News.
Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation During Times of COVID-19
Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species. Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation During Times of COVID-19 Presentation with educational bobcat pre-COVID-19 at NMWC. (Melissa Moore) Want to learn more about animals found in New Mexico? Have you found an injured or sick wild animal? New Mexico Wildlife Center (NMWC) in Española can help, even during times of COVID-19. NMWC started the year using Share with Wildlife funds in their efforts to provide in-person wildlife education programs to over 1,500 children and adults in New Mexico. These programs were provided at NMWC, schools, the Roundhouse, and a bird supply store. They also provided assistance to several wildlife patients brought to the center for rehabilitation. When restrictions related to COVID-19 were implemented, NMWC had to rapidly change their approach to delivering their important educational [...]
Department biologists investigate avian mortality in New Mexico
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SEPT. 17, 2020: Department biologists investigate avian mortality in New Mexico Correction: Please continue to use the iNaturalist app or website, however do not use the “Southwest Avian Mortality Project” for reporting; the team tracking these avian mortalities will be able to filter iNaturalist data for New Mexico. SANTA FE – Over the past week, Department biologists have been working with federal agencies, avian researchers and other colleagues to document and to identify the cause of statewide avian mortalities. Biologists are working diligently with our partners to determine the number of deaths and the reason for the occurrence. The Department is interested in your observations and photos to track the avian mortality event in New Mexico. To submit your observations and photos, please use the iNaturalist app [...]
Public Meetings on Proposed Revisions to the Habitat Stamp Program
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, August 28, 2020: Public Meetings on Proposed Revisions to the Habitat Stamp Program SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled two public meetings on proposed revisions to the Public Land User Stamp Rule 19.34.6 NMAC (Habitat Stamp Program Rule). A short presentation providing background information about the Habitat Stamp Program and details of the proposed revisions will be given. The presentation will be followed by a Q & A session where members of the public are encouraged to ask questions and provide input. Members of the public are invited to attend one or both of these meetings (to be held virtually) in order to become familiar with the program and the proposed revisions: September 10th at 6 p.m. Register in advance [...]
Modifying Wildlife Activities for Learning from Home
Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species. Modifying Wildlife Activities for Learning from Home Santa Fe Public School students birding at Randall Davey Audubon Center in Fall 2019. (Katie Weeks) What is an “adaptation” and how are birds adapted to different environments and to eat different things? What are the key elements of an animal’s “habitat” and how can you make your own backyard more appealing to wildlife? This spring, Audubon New Mexico used Share with Wildlife funds to produce workbooks that students could work through at home to learn about and answer these questions and more. Audubon New Mexico had started the spring semester planning to update their Outdoor Field Science curriculum to better align with the Public Education Department’s STEM Ready! Science Standards. They were then going to have [...]
Department cautions homeowners be aware of increased bear activity in the foothills around Santa Fe
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 10, 2020: Department cautions homeowners be aware of increased bear activity in the foothills around Santa Fe SANTA FE – Due to multiple sightings of bears, including a sow and cubs, in the foothills of Santa Fe between Canyon Road and Highway 285, homeowners are reminded to remove bird feeders, store trash in a secured location and never leave pet food in a space where a bear can access it. Director Mike Sloane warns while “some may view this as a unique opportunity to view wildlife; it is very important to follow our guidelines to keep yourself and bears safe.” The Department strongly urges you to avoid approaching a bear or getting between the mother and her cubs. Conservation officer Manny Overby said, “Approaching [...]